DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Ford, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's for Pros Chevrolet, and Erik Jones, driver of the #20 Circle K Toyota, race during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Ally Financial partners with Jimmie Johnson in new NASCAR sponsorship
Shane Walters
Ally Financial signs with Hendrick Motorsports for 2019 and 2020
Jimmie Johnson sits at a record-tying 7 NASCAR championships. However, heading into 2019, he’ll have a new sponsor. That’s the first time he’ll lack Lowe’s as a primary sponsor in his NASCAR Cup Series career.
Ahead of the race at Martinsville speedway that new sponsor has been announced. Ally Financial will join Hendrick Motorsports.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to grow our brand,” said Jeffrey Brown, CEO at Ally. “We couldn’t be any more excited for this next chapter for us.
Also, Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus will part ways and move on to separate chapters. Johnson was one of six cars that failed pre-race inspection at Martinsville. He’ll start today’s race from the rear.
CONCORD, N.C. – Jimmie Johnson has found a full-time ally in his mission to win a record-breaking eighth NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Ally Financial will join Hendrick Motorsports as the whole-season primary sponsor of Johnson’s iconic No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in 2019 and 2020. The partnership will feature the leading digital financial services company on the champion driver’s cars across the entire 38-race NASCAR schedule, beginning with 2019 DAYTONA Speedweeks and the 61st running of the DAYTONA 500.
“We are beyond thrilled to be in the fast lane with Jimmie Johnson, one of the most successful drivers in the history of NASCAR, and with Hendrick Motorsports, a premier organization in professional sports,” said Jeffrey Brown, CEO at Ally.
“Both share Ally’s passion for delivering results for our customers and for our communities, with a deep commitment to ‘do it right’ for the people who count on us most. We look forward to working with this extraordinary team to build a strong and successful relationship as Ally enters this exciting sport,” Brown concluded.
With a commitment to doing right by its customers, Ally has changed the online banking landscape with innovative digital experiences, 24/7 customer service, great rates and a cash-back credit card. Ally’s full scope of financial services offerings includes its award-winning online bank, auto finance and insurance businesses, digital wealth management and online brokerage platform, mortgage-lending services, and Corporate Finance operation. Its corporate citizenship programs include charitable giving, employee contribution matching, volunteerism, financial education, Ally Grants and more.
“This is a proud day for our entire organization,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Ally has built a tremendous brand by putting the customer at the center of their decisions and doing things right. In the same way, Jimmie has always put people first and handled himself like a champion in every sense of the word.”
“Ally’s full-season commitment makes a powerful statement about their enthusiasm for him, our program and the direction of our sport. It’s an unbelievable fit, and all of us are thrilled to launch what will be a long and successful partnership,” Hendrick concluded.
Johnson and the No. 48 team have cemented themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in sports. Their record-tying seven Cup titles – equaled only by legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt – include five in a row from 2006-2010.
In 2009, Johnson became the first race car driver ever to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. The El Cajon, California, native has earned 83 points-paying race wins and led more than 18,000 career laps. He made his record 15th consecutive playoff appearance this season.
“The opportunity to work with a partner like Ally is incredible,” said Johnson, 43, who is signed with Hendrick Motorsports through 2020.
“Their commitment to leading in both the workplace and the community is something that resonates with me in a big way. They’ve sent a strong message about how much they believe in me and in our team, and I will do my part to make sure it’s the best investment they’ve ever made. I’m ready to chase more history with Ally on board the ‘48,’” Johnson concluded.