After announcing the news during today’s TNT Sports live pre-race coverage of the Brickyard 400, Jimmie Johnson confirmed that he will compete in the 2027 DAYTONA 500 with a familiar car number – the No. 48 – in the final NASCAR Cup Series start of one of the most accomplished careers in the history of American motorsports.
The announcement follows an extraordinary gesture by Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports and longtime No. 48 partner Ally Financial, who have agreed to loan Johnson the Hendrick Motorsports stylized No. 48 car number for his farewell race with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. The move will reunite Johnson with the number most closely associated with his Hall of Fame career. NASCAR has approved the one-race loan, allowing the tribute to take place without affecting the driver or owner points standings.
While Johnson’s career has evolved from champion driver to team owner, broadcaster, entrepreneur and leader, there was only one number fitting for the final NASCAR Cup Series start of his driving career.
“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. 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.”
Together, Johnson and the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team won a record-tying seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, including a record five consecutive titles from 2006 through 2010. It earned 83 points-paying Cup Series victories, including two in the DAYTONA 500 and four in the Brickyard 400. Johnson’s relationship with Hendrick Motorsports remains one of the defining partnerships in NASCAR history.
Hendrick Motorsports will announce the car number for its Ally-sponsored entry in the 2027 DAYTONA 500 at a later date.
“The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” said Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “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.”
As the longtime primary partner of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 program, Ally joined Hendrick Motorsports in approving the one-race loan of the stylized car number. Ally was Johnson’s primary sponsor in 2019 and 2020, his final full-time season in the Cup Series.
“The 48 has always stood for something bigger than racing: a relationship built on trust, shared wins, and a fanbase that gives everything they have,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s Chief Marketing and PR officer. “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. We’re proud to be part of making this moment happen.”
For Johnson, whose personal philosophy has become Never Stop Starting, the significance reaches beyond nostalgia. His final NASCAR Cup Series race is not simply the end of one of the sport’s greatest careers – it’s one final start in the number that began it all.
— Legacy Motor Club —
Alex Bowman’s car number for the race was not announced, but would likely be the No. 25 which Hendrick used to run.
One more race. One more incredible moment.
Hendrick Motorsports is loaning me the No. 48 for my final Cup Series start in the 2027 DAYTONA 500. I’m beyond grateful to Rick, @Alex_Bowman, @TeamHendrick and @AllyRacing for making this possible.
I never imagined this could… pic.twitter.com/N1hg9yaKQf— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 26, 2026
An iconic number synonymous with @JimmieJohnson’s LEGACY.
With the permission of @TeamHendrick, Jimmie Johnson will drive the 48 in the 2027 Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/tgz2AVVLRI— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) July 26, 2026