Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, is set to compete in his final event at NASCAR’s top-level next February in the DAYTONA 500, and now, thanks to Hendrick Motorsports, he’ll do so in the iconic No. 48.
Johnson and Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, announced on TNT Sports’ Brickyard 400 pre-race show that the El Cajon, California-native will utilize the number that he made famous in his final start next February.
The usage of the stylized No. 48 was made possible by Hendrick Motorsports and the organization’s long-time partner of the entry, Ally Financial, which sponsored Johnson during his final full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2020.
NASCAR has approved the one-race loan of the number and has dictated that it will not impact the driver or owner standings for the 2027 season, which is slated to also be the last for Bowman (the full-time driver of the No. 48).
“This is far more than a number,” Johnson said. “The 48 represents people, relationships, memories and a chapter of my life that shaped who I am. To have the opportunity to make one final Cup Series start carrying that number is something I never imagined. I’m incredibly grateful to Rick, Hendrick Motorsports, Ally and everyone who made this possible. It’s a gesture I’ll carry with me forever.”
Using the No. 48, Johnson won a record-tying seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, including five straight from 2006 to 2010, and went to Victory Lane 83 times, including twice in the DAYTONA 500.
Hendrick Motorsports will announce the number for its Ally-sponsored entry at a later date.
“The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” said Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “When Jimmie asked about using the number for his final race, it just felt right. Ally immediately understood why it mattered, too. They’ve always valued relationships, and their willingness to be part of this says everything about the kind of partner they are. Seeing Jimmie back in the No. 48 at Daytona one last time will be quite a moment.”
As a long-time sponsor of Hendrick and the No. 48, Ally Financial found it fitting that Johnson gets one final send-off with the number that he made iconic.
“The 48 has always stood for something bigger than racing: a relationship built on trust, shared wins, and a fanbase that gives everything they have,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s Chief Marketing and PR officer. “Jimmie is part of the Ally family, and the chance to see him at Daytona one last time with that number is something our fans deserve as much as he does. We’re proud to be part of making this moment happen.”
The 2027 DAYTONA 500 will take place Sunday, February 21.
