Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR Cup Series farewell will have the weight of an extraordinary career, and the No. 48 will make the occasion even more meaningful. The seven-time champion will return to the same number that defined his legacy when he competes in the 2027 Daytona 500, his final Cup Series start.
Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports and longtime No. 48 partner Ally Financial have come together to make the reunion possible. Hendrick Motorsports will loan its stylized No. 48 (currently driven by Alex Bowman) to Johnson for the race, allowing him to carry the number with Legacy Motor Club.
NASCAR has approved the one-race arrangement, with no impact on the 2027 driver or owner points standings.
The sight of Johnson back in the No. 48 will definitely bring an iconic era of NASCAR racing back to life. His entire full-time Cup Series career with Hendrick Motorsports went under that number.
Johnson made his Cup debut in the No. 48 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2001 and drove it in 686 of his 702 career starts. His final appearance in the car came at Phoenix Raceway during the 2020 season finale.
In fact, the No. 48 became synonymous with Johnson’s success. Together, the driver and Hendrick Motorsports program delivered seven Cup Series championships, matching the all-time record, with five consecutive titles from 2006 through 2010. Johnson also collected 83 points-paying Cup Series victories in the car, including two Daytona 500 wins and four Brickyard 400 triumphs.
“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.”
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
That connection explains why Rick Hendrick immediately agreed to the idea of bringing the number back for Johnson’s final race. The No. 48 remains an important part of Hendrick Motorsports history, and Johnson remains the driver most closely associated with it.
“The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” Hendrick said. “When Jimmie asked about using the number for his final race, it just felt right.”
Jimmie Johnson’s one final race, one legendary number
Ally Financial also played an important role in making the Daytona farewell possible. The company served as Johnson’s primary sponsor during his final two full-time Cup seasons in 2019 and 2020 and has maintained a longstanding relationship with the No. 48 program.
“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,” Ally Chief Marketing and PR Officer Andrea Brimmer said.
However, the reunion will be a different twist because Johnson will drive a Toyota for Legacy Motor Club.
The organization began its transition from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024 after Johnson’s involvement with the team evolved from ownership to part-time driving. The 2027 Daytona 500 will therefore mark the first time the No. 48 appears on a Toyota.
The arrangement will also be a big moment for Alex Bowman. With Johnson borrowing the No. 48 for the Daytona 500, Hendrick Motorsports will use another number for its Ally-sponsored entry.
Bowman will also compete in his final Daytona 500 as a full-time Cup driver after announcing his decision to retire from full-time competition following a racing career marked by multiple injuries and difficult recoveries.
Johnson’s own career has taken several turns since his final full-time season. He explored IndyCar racing, returned to NASCAR as a team owner, and continued competing in selected Cup Series races for Legacy Motor Club.
Now, his final NASCAR Cup Series start will bring him back to where his driving story began.
“This is a gesture I’ll carry with me forever,” Johnson said.