STATESVILLE, N.C. — Jimmie Johnson’s farewell to NASCAR will come with a familiar number on the door.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion announced Sunday that he will return to the iconic No. 48 for his final Cup Series start in the 2027 Daytona 500, bringing one of the sport’s most recognizable driver-number combinations back together one last time.
18-20 November, 2016, Homestead, Florida USA
Jimmie Johnson celebrates winning the 2016 Sprint Cup Championship
©2016, Logan Whitton
NKP
The special arrangement was made possible through an agreement involving Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports and longtime No. 48 sponsor Ally Financial, who approved a one-race loan of the famed number to Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. NASCAR also approved the move, ensuring the tribute will not impact owner or driver points.
For Johnson, the opportunity represents much more than a nostalgic gesture.
“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.”
Few combinations in NASCAR history have enjoyed the success Johnson and the No. 48 produced together. During his Hall of Fame career with Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson captured seven Cup Series championships, including a record five consecutive titles from 2006 through 2010. He also earned 83 Cup Series victories, including two Daytona 500 wins and four Brickyard 400 triumphs.
The announcement reunites Johnson with the number that became synonymous with one of NASCAR’s greatest dynasties and creates a storybook ending for a career that helped define an era of stock-car racing.
“The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” Hendrick said. “Seeing Jimmie back in the No. 48 at Daytona one last time will be quite a moment.”
KANSAS CITY, KS – OCTOBER 09: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag from a NASCAR official after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on October 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
The decision also underscores the enduring relationship between Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports and Ally Financial. Ally served as Johnson’s primary sponsor during the final years of his full-time Cup Series career and immediately embraced the opportunity to be part of his farewell appearance.
“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,” said Ally Chief Marketing and PR Officer Andrea Brimmer.
Johnson announced earlier this year that the 2027 Daytona 500 would mark the final NASCAR Cup Series start of his driving career. While he will continue as co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, broadcaster, entrepreneur and ambassador for the sport, the race will officially close the final chapter of one of auto racing’s most decorated competitive careers.
For NASCAR fans, the significance is undeniable. When the green flag falls on the 2027 Daytona 500, the No. 48 will once again be on the starting grid with Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel, creating one final opportunity to celebrate a partnership that produced championships, victories and a lasting legacy.