A fitting farewell
Jimmie Johnson, the seven‑time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is set to add one more historic entry to his résumé by competing in the 2027 Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the famed No. 48.
The arrangement, brokered by Hendrick Motorsports and Ally Financial, will loan the iconic number to Johnson for a single race, reuniting him with a numeral that has become synonymous with his Hall of Fame career.
NASCAR has given its blessing to the one‑race loan, confirming that the effort will not impact the points standings, allowing the tribute to stand on its own merit.
In a statement, Johnson expressed deep gratitude to Rick Hendrick, the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization, Ally, and the countless fans who have followed his journey, noting how the No. 48 has shaped his life on and off the track.
The partnership between Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports is widely regarded as one of the most defining in the sport’s modern era, having produced seven championships and 83 points‑paying victories, including two Daytona 500 wins and four Brickyard 400 triumphs.
While the final car number for the Ally‑sponsored entry will be announced later, the collaboration underscores the enduring relationship between the driver, the team, and its primary sponsor, a relationship that was first highlighted when Ally served as Johnson’s principal partner in 2019 and 2020.
Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s Chief Marketing and PR officer, emphasized the symbolic weight of the No. 48, describing the upcoming race as a celebration of legacy, loyalty, and the shared history between the brand and one of NASCAR’s most beloved figures.
Fans across the United States and beyond are expected to rally around the event, viewing it as a poignant milestone that caps a career that helped reshape the sport’s competitive landscape.