A Number That Has Shaped a Generation
The No. 48 has become a symbol of excellence in the NASCAR Cup Series, a number that has been carried by a succession of drivers whose stories intertwine with the sport’s rich history.
James Hylton, who logged more than 500 starts in that cockpit, remains one of its most enduring figures, having claimed two victories at Richmond and Talladega and finished second in the championship on three occasions.
Nearly two decades later, Jimmie Johnson transformed the same number into a dynasty, securing seven titles and 83 race wins, while his long‑standing partnership with crew chief Chad Knaus and team owner Rick Hendrick produced five straight championships from 2006 to 2010.
More recently, Alex Bowman added his own chapter by capturing a victory at the Chicago street race in July 2024, a triumph that placed him among the select few who have ever won with the storied number.
Looking ahead, the seat will soon be taken by Connor Zilisch in 2028, a prospect who will have the unenviable task of preserving a legacy that spans more than five decades.