In the 2027 Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 48 in his final NASCAR Cup Series start
Jimmie Johnson is a 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He currently the co-owner of Legacy Motor Club and has been racing on a part-time basis.
In the 2027 Daytona 500. Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start and he’ll do it in the No. 48. Johnson called all 7 championships and every one of the 83 wins with that number.
However, Alex Bowman currently drives the No. 48 car for Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman picked up the seat after Johnson left the team following the 2020 season. 2027 will also by Bowman’s final season as a full time driver which he announced last month.
For Johnson to get his old number back, for one race, is unheard of.
Jimmie Johnson comments on the return to the No. 48
“This is far more than a number,” Johnson said in the team release.
“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.”
“It’s an idea that I had and I knew that it was far-fetched,” Jimmie Johnson told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
He added, “It’s complicated and many layers to it. I gave Rick a call and proposed the idea. He’s like, ‘Yeah, I love it. Let me get to work.’ “
“Just so excited that I’ll be back in that No. 48 car for one last time. It speaks to the relationships that he has, far and wide to be able to pull this off.”
“We had conversations with NASCAR and the variety of layers that are there. There’s only one man that can pull that off.”
Sponsor details and the paint scheme for his return has not been released. As of now, only the #48 has been confirmed.
On getting Lowe’s to return…
“I know Hendrick has tried for a long time and I certainly have. You never wanna say never. I wish there was something there but that just seems like too far of a reach.”
Jimmie Johnson becomes majority owner of Legacy Motor Club
Jimmie Johnson on his return to the No. 48
Links
Jimmie Johnson | Hendrick Motorsports | Legacy Motor Club | NASCAR
