When motorsports legend Jimmie Johnson returns to the track in Southern California later this month, one of the most meaningful pieces from his run in the DAYTONA 500 will already be making an impact off it.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s custom “Helmet of Heroes” — worn during this year’s DAYTONA 500 and signed by Johnson on the visor — will be auctioned on eBay beginning at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT on June 21, just hours before the green flag drops on the Anduril 250 in Johnson’s home region of Southern California.

The 10-day auction, conducted in partnership with The NASCAR Foundation, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), will support the NFFF’s efforts to reduce firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries through fire prevention, education and safety initiatives.

Bidding will open at $200, giving fans and collectors an opportunity to own a signed, race-worn piece of NASCAR history while supporting a cause that helps protect firefighters and communities alike.

For Johnson, the cause is deeply personal.

Johnson was raised in El Cajon, California, a community deeply affected by wildland fires. A longtime supporter of firefighter causes, Johnson has used his platform to raise awareness about the impact wildfires can have on families and to uplift the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. That perspective helped inspire the creation of his 2026 Helmet of Heroes, unveiled earlier this year as a special DAYTONA 500 tribute honoring fallen firefighters across the United States.

“As a kid growing up in El Cajon, I wanted to be a firefighter long before I ever dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver,” said Jimmie Johnson. “Living in Southern California, I also understood how devastating wildfires can be and how much we rely on firefighters to protect our communities. Wearing the Helmet of Heroes in the DAYTONA 500 was incredibly special because it honored those who gave their lives in service to others. Knowing that helmet can now help support wildfire prevention, education and firefighter safety makes it even more meaningful. I hope fans will see it not just as a piece of racing history, but as a way to honor our heroes and support the important work being done to protect lives.”

Worn by Johnson during “The Great American Race,” the one-of-a-kind helmet features Johnson’s signature on the visor, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation logo on the back, and the Pye-Barker Fire & Safety logo on the side. The race-worn collectible serves as both a tribute to our nation’s Fire Heroes and a unique piece of NASCAR memorabilia.

The Helmet of Heroes initiative was made possible through a collaboration between partners including LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“We are grateful to Jimmie Johnson for his support and for helping shine a spotlight on the service and sacrifice of America’s firefighters,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “The proceeds from this auction will help advance our mission to honor fallen firefighters, support their families, and prevent future line-of-duty deaths and injuries. Every dollar raised strengthens programs that help keep firefighters safe and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

“The work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation changes lives every day, and the Helmet of Heroes initiative was such a moving way to celebrate its impact,” said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire and Safety. “The work we do together makes communities stronger, protecting lives and property across the nation. It’s an initiative we are proud to be a part of to help prevent and lessen the impact of wildfires across the nation.”

“This auction is one of the many ways the NASCAR community comes together to make a difference beyond the racetrack,” said Nichole Krieger, Vice President and Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation. “Jimmie Johnson’s Helmet of Heroes honors the courage and sacrifice of firefighters and we are proud to support this effort alongside the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Pye-Barker Fire & Safety to help first responders and the communities they serve.”

Created by Congress, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation leads the national effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters, support their families and colleagues, and work to reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

In May 2026, the NFFF added nine wildland firefighters who died in the line of duty to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, with three more already approved to be honored in 2027, underscoring the risks firefighters continue to face as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit NFFF programs focused on firefighter safety, health, wellness and prevention, including programs that address both the physical and mental challenges firefighters face throughout their careers, such as: