Within the Brickyard 400 pre-race present, Hendrick Motorsports founder Rick Hendrick introduced that Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 48 Legacy Motor Membership entry within the 2027 Daytona 500.
The quantity has belonged to Hendrick for the previous 25 years and is at the moment utilized by Alex Bowman, however the staff has labored out a deal to offer Jimmie Johnson the No. 48 for his last NASCAR Cup begin subsequent February.
Johnson will make his 703rd and last NASCAR Cup begin within the 69th working of the Daytona 500, and the inventory automobile racing legend earned most of his success within the No. 48. Johnson drove that quantity to all of his 83 Cup wins, and all seven Cup titles. Johnson additionally drove the No. 48 in all 29 of his IndyCar begins (together with the 2022 Indianapolis 500) and a few IMSA endurance races lately.
Johnson final drove the No. 48 NASCAR entry within the 2020 Cup finale at Phoenix — his last race with Hendrick Motorsports. He has since made a handful of begins within the No. 84 because the co-owner of Legacy Motor Membership.
Johnson first approached Mr. H. concerning the alternative to make use of the No. 48 in his last Cup race. Hendrick spoke with Bowman, Ally and NASCAR, and reached an settlement to offer Johnson the quantity he made his legend with for his last look as a NASCAR Cup driver.
“Final experience,” stated Johnson, speaking on to Mr. Hendrick. “I’m past phrases and so grateful, at the beginning, to your friendship, your mentorship, and making my household a part of yours. I hoped the telephone name would end up because it did, and naturally it has. It means the world to me. Thanks a lot, Rick. Huge due to Ally, Hendrick Motorsports, you and Linda (Rick Hendrick’s spouse). I’m so honored and excited to have my first drive and my final drive within the No. 48.”
Johnson additionally stated that there are “extra thrilling layers” to be introduced at a later date, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. hinted on the return of the enduring Hendrick No. 25 for the automobile Alex Bowman can be driving at Daytona. Nevertheless, nothing has been confirmed concerning Bowman’s quantity for the 2027 Daytona 500, which may even be his farewell season.
Learn Additionally:
We wish your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Group
