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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – In a revelation that sent ripples of nostalgia and anticipation through the NASCAR community, seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will return to the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet for his final professional stock car race, the 2027 Daytona 500. The announcement was made by Hendrick Motorsports founder Rick Hendrick during the pre-race festivities for the Brickyard 400, confirming a sentiment long hoped for by legions of Johnson’s fans.
The No. 48, a number inextricably linked with Johnson’s unparalleled success, has been a staple at Hendrick Motorsports for the past quarter-century. Most recently, it has been piloted by Alex Bowman. However, an agreement has been reached to temporarily reassign the digits for Johnson’s swansong appearance in NASCAR’s premier series. This move marks a poignant full-circle moment for the driver who earned all 83 of his Cup Series victories and secured each of his seven championships behind the wheel of the No. 48.
Johnson’s 703rd and final NASCAR Cup Series start will be at the 69th running of the Daytona 500, a race that has witnessed countless dramatic finishes and cemented its status as "The Great American Race." Beyond his NASCAR endeavors, Johnson also drove the No. 48 during his foray into IndyCar, including his participation in the 2022 Indianapolis 500, and in select IMSA endurance races in recent years, underscoring the deep connection he holds with the car number.
The last time Johnson competed in a NASCAR Cup Series event with the No. 48 was in the 2020 season finale at Phoenix Raceway, which also marked his departure from Hendrick Motorsports. Since then, he has competed under the No. 84 banner as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club.
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The initiative to bring back the No. 48 for Johnson’s final race originated with the driver himself. Johnson reportedly approached Rick Hendrick with the request, which was then followed by a comprehensive consultation process. Hendrick engaged with Alex Bowman, the primary sponsor Ally, and NASCAR officials to ensure all parties were aligned before a final agreement was struck.
Speaking directly to Rick Hendrick, a visibly emotional Johnson expressed his profound gratitude. "Last ride," Johnson stated. "I am beyond words and so grateful, first and foremost, for your friendship, your mentorship, and making my family part of yours. I hoped the phone call would turn out as it did, and of course it has. It means the world to me. Thank you so much, Rick. Big thanks to Ally, Hendrick Motorsports, you and Linda. I am so honored and excited to have my first drive and my last drive in the No. 48."
Johnson also alluded to further exciting developments to be unveiled at a later date, hinting at a comprehensive narrative surrounding his final race. Speculation is also rife within the sport, fueled by comments from Dale Earnhardt Jr., suggesting the potential return of the historic Hendrick Motorsports No. 25 for the car Alex Bowman will drive at Daytona. However, official confirmation regarding Bowman’s number for the 2027 Daytona 500 has not yet been provided.
The significance of Jimmie Johnson’s career cannot be overstated. His seven Cup Series championships place him in an elite tier of NASCAR legends, a feat matched only by Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level for over two decades, culminating in a record-tying seven titles, has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history. The No. 48 car, under his command, became synonymous with dominance, precision, and a never-say-die attitude that captivated audiences worldwide.
Johnson’s transition from full-time Cup Series competition in 2020 marked the end of an era for Hendrick Motorsports, a team that has consistently been at the forefront of the sport. His decision to pursue opportunities in other disciplines, including IndyCar and sports car racing, showcased his enduring passion for competition and his versatility as a driver. Yet, the call of his roots and the desire for a fitting send-off in the sport that defined his career remained strong.
The decision to bring back the No. 48 for Johnson’s final race is a testament to the enduring partnership between driver and team owner, as well as the respect Johnson commands across the entire NASCAR landscape. Rick Hendrick, a pivotal figure in Johnson’s career, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to honoring the legacies of his drivers. This move is a clear indication of that philosophy in action.
Alex Bowman, who has driven the No. 48 for Hendrick Motorsports since 2018, has also been a crucial part of the number’s recent history. His gracious acceptance of the temporary reassignment, coupled with the potential return of another significant number like the No. 25, highlights the collaborative spirit within Hendrick Motorsports and the shared appreciation for the team’s storied past. Bowman himself is slated to retire from full-time NASCAR competition following the 2027 season, adding another layer of narrative to the upcoming Daytona 500.
The 2027 Daytona 500 is already shaping up to be an event of immense historical significance. Beyond Johnson’s final start, the race will mark the culmination of his unparalleled NASCAR career. The anticipation surrounding his return to the No. 48, a symbol of his most triumphant moments, will undoubtedly draw unprecedented attention to the season opener.
Johnson’s involvement in other racing disciplines has also been noteworthy. His IndyCar starts, including his highly anticipated Indianapolis 500 debut, demonstrated his willingness to embrace new challenges and test his skills against a different caliber of competition. His performances in IMSA further showcased his adaptability and enduring talent. However, the emotional resonance of concluding his Cup Series journey in the familiar confines of the No. 48 at the Daytona 500 offers a narrative arc that is both fitting and deeply symbolic.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond just the sentimental value. The No. 48, under Johnson, became a brand in itself, representing a period of sustained excellence and championship pedigree. Its temporary revival for Johnson’s farewell race will undoubtedly reignite memories of his dominant seasons and inspire a new generation of fans.
The collaborative effort involving Johnson, Hendrick, Ally, and NASCAR underscores the sport’s ability to orchestrate significant moments that resonate with its fanbase. The intricate negotiations and agreements required to facilitate such a return highlight the complex ecosystem of professional motorsport and the importance of stakeholder alignment for landmark events.
As the 2027 Daytona 500 draws closer, the focus will undoubtedly intensify on Jimmie Johnson and his final race. The opportunity to witness a legend bid farewell in the car that defined his legacy promises to be an emotional and unforgettable spectacle, cementing the No. 48’s place in NASCAR history for generations to come. The "last ride" of Jimmie Johnson in the No. 48 will undoubtedly be a moment etched in the annals of motorsport.
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