Jimmie Johnson Will Reunite With Iconic No. 48 for Final Daytona 500 Start

Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR career will end the same way it became legendary: behind the wheel of the No. 48.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer announced Sunday that he will reunite with his iconic car number for one final Cup Series start in the 2027 Daytona 500. Johnson, who now co-owns Legacy Motor Club, will drive the No. 48 Toyota through an agreement with Hendrick Motorsports, bringing one of the sport’s most recognizable partnerships full circle.

For longtime NASCAR fans, the announcement is more than a number change. It marks the return of the car that carried Johnson to one of the most dominant championship runs in Cup Series history.

Jimmie Johnson says the No. 48 ‘shaped who I am’

Johnson spent the entirety of his full-time Cup Series career driving the No. 48 for Hendrick Motorsports. Between 2001 and 2020, he earned 83 race victories, seven championships, two Daytona 500 wins and four Brickyard 400 victories while making the No. 48 one of NASCAR’s most iconic numbers.

Since returning to NASCAR competition as a part-time driver in 2023, Johnson has competed in the No. 84 for Legacy Motor Club. His final start, however, will come in the number most closely associated with his Hall of Fame career.

“This is far more than a number,” Johnson said in a 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.”

Johnson made 686 of his 702 Cup Series starts in the No. 48, with his final appearance in the car coming in the 2020 season finale before stepping away from full-time competition.

Rick Hendrick says bringing Johnson back ‘just felt right’

Hendrick Motorsports chairman Rick Hendrick said there was little hesitation when Johnson asked about using the No. 48 one final time.

“The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” Hendrick said in a release. “When Jimmie asked about using the number for his final race, it just felt right. Ally immediately understood why it mattered, too. They’ve always valued relationships, and their willingness to be part of this says everything about the kind of partner they are. Seeing Jimmie back in the No. 48 at Daytona one last time will be quite a moment.”

The announcement also creates a one-race change for Hendrick Motorsports’ current No. 48 team. Alex Bowman, who announced earlier this week that 2027 will be his final full-time Cup Series season, will drive a different numbered entry in the Daytona 500 before returning to the No. 48 for the remainder of the year.

When Johnson takes the green flag at Daytona in February 2027, it won’t simply be another farewell race. It will be the final chapter of one of NASCAR’s greatest careers, completed in the same number that became synonymous with championship success.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →