While driver Alex Bowman is returning behind the wheel of the No. 48 car with Hendrick Motorsports for his final season next year, it will be Jimmie Johnson driving that iconic car number in the Daytona 500. In what will be the final Cup Series race ever for the Hall of Famer, it appears fans might get what they want after all.
On Monday, the Lowe’s X account posted a public message directed at Ally Racing and Carvana Racing, asking if they needed an “ally” for the last ride next season and to check their DMs. Ally immediately responded “Let’s build something together” with Carvana sending the eyeballs emoji, fueling hope that Lowe’s will be a sponsor on the No. 48 car for the Daytona 500 next February.
Johnson also saw the tweet, responding to Lowe’s that he will put together a group chat. The teasing on social media comes just over a week after it was announced that the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will drive the No. 48 Toyota car in his final Cup race next year following an agreement with Hendrick Motorsports.
“This is far more than a number. 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.”
Now the owner of Legacy Motor Club, Johnson has only driven part-time in the Cup Series with all of those races coming in the No. 84 car. At a time when NASCAR is trying to both gain more popularity and embrace its roots, the all-time great’s return behind the wheel of the No. 48 car in the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing is the perfect way to pay homage to all of his historic success.
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Given how quickly Johnson, Ally, and Carvana all responded to Lowe’s tweet, it feels safe to assume that something is close to being worked out or a deal is on the horizon. It will almost certainly be a one-time thing for Lowe’s, but the merchandise for the race and the diecast of the car will probably be money makers for all parties.
As for what car number Bowman will be driving, an announcement regarding that has not been made. However, given that it will be his final Daytona 500 and he agreed to return to Hendrick for one more season, the assumption is that Bowman will get to pick his number for that race.
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