By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
After an 18-year relationship, Hendrick Motorsports announced earlier this week that Lowe’s will cease their sponsorship of Jimmie Johnson after the 2018 season.
Despite having to search for a new sponsor, Johnson is proud of his relationship with the company and the history they made together in the sport. Johnson had hoped that his career at the Cup level would have ended with Lowes but is optimistic about his future with a new partner.
Johnson believes that a new sponsor would keep his post-driving career aside.
“Yeah, the post-driving career side is maybe something that a corporation would look at. I plan to keep racing,” Johnson continued. “It might not be in NASCAR full-time, but I have many other series and types of cars that I want to race in, and a lifestyle that I want to live, and even doing fitness-related events, mountain bike races and triathlon races and stuff like that. I’m going to stay active and busy. There could be a fit for the right lifestyle brand of sorts maybe, or just a brand in general.”
Since the announcement, Johnson has been involved heavily in the sponsorship search. The veteran driver believes this opportunity is a chance to learn and grow personally.
While many see this news as a reflection on NASCAR as a whole, Johnson believes that this is not a reflection on the sport, but it is a business decision for Lowe’s.
“I really don’t view it as a statement of our sport. I see our sport growing. I see many new sponsors coming into Hendrick Motorsports. I see a returning sponsor coming to NASCAR. I’ve seen full grandstands. It’s been an exciting start to the season. I really don’t feel it has a reflection on the sport. It’s a business decision that Lowe’s needed to make and that stuff happens,” Johnson stated.
Although this news is not what Johnson has hoped for, the desire to race is still alive.
“Oh, the desire to keep racing is absolutely there. Races, championships, and being a part of this great sport of ours; I’m going to be around for a while. I’m excited about that,” Johnson stated.