#48 Hendrick Motorsports Team News

Jeff Gordon comments on possible ownership of Hendrick Motorsports: At some point, Jeff Gordon could be introduced as the owner of Hendrick Motorsports. If that moment comes, the four-time Cup champion said he would be “truly honored” to take the reign from the team’s founder, Rick Hendrick.[More](1-28-2019)

Jimmie Johnson unveils new Ally paint scheme: Legendary NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson and Ally revealed the new look for the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet this morning, unveiling a blend of Ally’s unique branding along with Johnson’s iconic number and color. “This is an exciting beginning with Ally, and we wanted a car that conveyed that excitement to our fans,” Johnson said this morning after unveiling the new car on Good Morning America. “Personally, I’ve put a ton of time in on this paint scheme to help our team develop the new look.” [More](1-11-2019)

Jimmie Johnson Foundation announces $300,000 in Champions Grants: The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today that seven schools will receive $308,000 in Champions Grants this year. The grants are awarded annually to K-12 public and charter schools in and around Chandra and Jimmie’s hometowns in California and Oklahoma, as well as their current residence in North Carolina.[More](12-15-2018)

Rick Hendrick says Jeff Gordon in line to take over Hendrick Motorsports: Until his death in a 2004 plane crash, Ricky Hendrick was poised to take over at HMS. Nowadays, Hendrick is grooming 47-year-old Jeff Gordon-a four-time Cup champion and 93-time winner-as his successor. “That’s the way we’re going,” Hendrick said. “Whenever I finally step away, it’ll be Jeff Gordon in my place.”[More](12-13-2018)

When F1’s Fernando Alonso met NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson: Fernando Alonso was genuinely impressed by the performance of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson when the two drivers swapped rides at the Bahrain International Circuit on Monday. After several attempts, Johnson managed to set a time within 0.2s of Alonso’s benchmark in a 2013 McLaren F1 car, while Alonso eclipsed Johnson’s installation lap in the NASCAR by four seconds.[More](11-26-2018)

‘Power of Pride’ for Johnson at Phoenix: The final two races of the 2018 season will showcase two very special paint schemes on the No. 48 Chevrolet. Longtime sponsor Lowe’s is paying homage to the unprecedented 17-year partnership with two very special paint outs. For ISM Raceway this weekend, Jimmie Johnson will run the “Power of Pride” paint scheme he piloted for his first three starts in the NASCAR Cup Series near the end of the 2001 season.[More](11-7-2018)

Ally Financial joins Johnson, No. 48 team as full-season primary sponsor: Jimmie Johnson has found a full-time ally in his mission to win a record-breaking eighth NASCAR Cup Series championship. Ally Financial will join Hendrick Motorsports as the whole-season primary sponsor of Johnson’s iconic No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in 2019 and 2020. The partnership will feature the leading digital financial services company on the champion driver’s cars across the entire 38-race NASCAR schedule, beginning with 2019 DAYTONA Speedweeks and the 61st running of the DAYTONA 500.[More](10-28-2019)

Jimmie Johnson getting a new crew chief in 2019: Hendrick Motorsports has named new crew chiefs for the organization’s Nos. 24 and 48 NASCAR Cup Series teams, effective at the conclusion of the 2018 racing season. The assignments represent new roles for veterans Chad Knaus and Darian Grubb, along with the return to Hendrick Motorsports of Kevin Meendering. The responsibilities for 2019 include: Knaus will become crew chief for William Byron and the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team with its respective personnel. He currently leads the No. 48 team of Jimmie Johnson. Meendering will become crew chief for Johnson and the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team with its respective personnel. He is currently crew chief of NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff contender Elliott Sadler. Grubb will be promoted to technical director, an executive leadership role supporting Hendrick Motorsports’ engineering and vehicle development resources. He is currently crew chief of the No. 24 team with Byron.[More](10-10-2018)

Jimmie Johnson’s Homestead scheme unveiled: As the 2018 season comes to a close, the No. 48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will harken back to the very beginning of the Lowe’s era. In the penultimate race of the year, Jimmie Johnson will drive the very first paint scheme he ever piloted with Lowe’s, the “Power of Pride” car.[More](9-20-2018)

Hendrick talking to Lowe’s about possible return in limited role UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports is continuing to try to find sponsorship for its No. 48 Chevy driven by Jimmie Johnson next season, and there are signs emerging that the team has a couple worthwhile leads that are developing.(9-14-2018)
UPDATE: Lowe’s says they will not reconsider their decision to step away from the sport next season.[More](9-14-2018)

Johnson’s Darlington ride unveiled: The scheme is a black Kobalt Tools ride with white racing stripes. It’s the car Johnson piloted to Hendrick Motorsports’ 200th NASCAR Cup Series win in 2012 at Darlington.[More](7-31-2018)

Chad Knaus signs extension, remains crew chief for Jimmie Johnson: Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus have celebrated plenty of good times at NASCAR race tracks throughout their 17 years of racing, and the driver and crew chief will continue to work together at least through 2020. Knaus, whose contract with Hendrick Motorsports was set to end following the 2018 season, told ESPN in an interview Saturday that he had inked a new deal in the last couple of weeks to continue working with Johnson on the #48 car as they seek to end their longest winless streak and to capture an eighth NASCAR Cup Series title.[More](7-14-2018)

Jimmie Johnson to wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope at Kentucky: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will highlight the Jimmie Johnson Foundation this weekend during the Quaker State 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. In addition to wearing the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, which honors five charities working to improve K-12 public education, a special Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF) paint scheme will be featured on his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet. As a show of support for Johnson’s efforts to raise funds for K-12 public education, a number of his NASCAR Cup Series competitors will join him in displaying JJF-branded decals on the visors of their helmets.[More](7-10-2018)

FOX NASCAR bestows ‘The Byrnsie Award’ on Jimmie Johnson: FOX NASCAR presented seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson with the fourth-annual “The Byrnsie Award” during Sunday’s NASCAR RACEDAY pre-race telecast from Sonoma Raceway on FS1. In honor of late FOX NASCAR broadcaster Steve Byrnes, whose nickname was ‘Byrnsie,’ the award was established to celebrate an individual in the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES who embodies principles Byrnes demonstrated daily in his personal and professional life — preparation, teamwork and family within the garage area.[More](6-24-2018)

2018 Jimmie Johnson Foundation Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grant recipients announced: The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today the five recipients of this year’s $25,000 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants. The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program invites fans and consumers across the country to nominate not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education for the opportunity to receive one of five (5) available grant packages.[More](5-30-2018)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina extends with Hendrick, Johnson: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), which has served the people of North Carolina with high-quality health insurance for nearly 85 years, has extended its sponsorship of 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports and star driver Jimmie Johnson through 2018. Blue Cross NC will continue as the Official Health Insurance Provider of Hendrick Motorsports with logo placement on the uniforms of Johnson and his #48 team. In addition, Blue Cross NC will be featured on the #48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as an associate sponsor during the May and September Cup Series events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. [More](5-18-2018)

Jimmie Johnson optimistic despite winless drought: If it were as simple as good vibes producing great results, Californian Jimmie Johnson is a sure-bet to end a 33-race trophy drought in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism (2 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at Dover (Del.) International Raceway this weekend. But it takes more than just positive energy. Yes, Johnson, 42, conceded, he is encouraged by a string of three consecutive top-12 finishes (including a third place at the Bristol, Tenn. half-miler) entering the weekend. [More](5-4-2018)

Amid winless streak, Johnson has reason to be optimistic about Texas and Bristol: He is the defending winner of both races – giving his #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team some source of optimism about hitching horsepower to opportunity at these tracks.[More](4-2-2018)

Lowe’s will not return to Hendrick in 2019: The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champions #48 Hendrick Motorsports team with driver Jimmie Johnson will have a new primary sponsor beginning next season. Lowe’s Companies Inc., which has been the #48 team’s only primary sponsor since 2001, will not return to Hendrick Motorsports in 2019.[More](3-14-2018)

NASCAR’s most valuable teams and highest paid drivers: Forbes has taken its annual look at the sports biggest moneymakers.[More](2-22-2018)

Doug Douchardt named COO at Chip Ganassi Racing: Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today that long-time racing executive Doug Duchardt has been named Chief Operating Officer of the corporation. Duchardt begins the role effective immediately in preparation for the upcoming 2018 seasons while Max Jones is promoted to Managing Director of the team’s NASCAR Operation joining Mike Hull, Managing Director of the team’s INDYCAR and IMSA Operations. Additionally, a newly formed Corporate Office will include Team Owner and CEO Chip Ganassi, President Steve Lauletta, COO Duchardt, CFO Chuck Gottschalk and Vice President of Human Resources Rob Wilder. The Corporate Office will oversee all of CGR’s racing and commercial activities globally.[More](1-3-2018)