Jimmie Johnson will pilot the No. 48 Chevrolet in his final Daytona 500 appearance, reuniting the seven-time Cup Series champion with the legendary number that defined his career. Hendrick Motorsports and driver Alex Bowman have agreed to loan Johnson the iconic paint scheme for this farewell run.
The No. 48 belongs to Bowman, who currently drives it for Hendrick. Johnson made the number famous across 17 full seasons with the team, winning five of his seven championships while carrying that designation. The 2024 Daytona 500 marks Johnson's last scheduled attempt at NASCAR's most prestigious race, creating a full-circle moment that carries weight for both the driver and the organization.
Johnson retired from full-time Cup competition after the 2020 season but has competed in selected NASCAR events since then, including previous Daytona 500 starts. His partnership with Hendrick remains strong, and this arrangement underscores the respect Bowman and team ownership hold for the franchise's most decorated driver.
The gesture allows Johnson to chase history one more time with the number that carried him to 83 career Cup victories and made him one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history. Daytona's 2.5-mile tri-oval has hosted some of Johnson's greatest moments, though he never won the 500 despite 17 attempts. This final shot carries emotional significance beyond typical racing statistics.
For Bowman, loaning the number demonstrates Hendrick's commitment to honoring its legacy while maintaining continuity with current championship aspirations. The team doesn't sacrifice competitive standing by this decision, as Bowman will return to the No. 48 for his regular-season campaign. This one-race arrangement represents the kind of internal flexibility that defines top-tier NASCAR organizations.
Johnson