Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports have confirmed that the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will run with the No. 48 for one last time at Daytona next year.

Johnson sported the No. 48 for all of his 19 full-time seasons with Hendrick between 2002 and 2020, before retiring as a full-time driver and running a handful of races part-time in the No. 84 with the Legacy Motor Club team which he owns.

The 50-year-old has already announced that the 2027 running of the Daytona 500 will be his last ever Cup Series race, and it was revealed on Sunday that Hendrick and sponsor Ally have negotiated a deal to loan the No. 48 to Legacy and Johnson for one last race.

An official statement calls the move an 'extraordinary gesture by Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports and longtime No. 48 partner Ally Financial' (Alex Bowman, the current driver of the No. 48, is not mentioned in the release), and notes that NASCAR has approved the switch, which will not impact owner or driver points.

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Johnson: 48 is more than just a number

“This is far more than a number,” Johnson said in the statement. “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.”

Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick added: “The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie. When Jimmie asked about using the number for his final race, it just felt right.

"Ally immediately understood why it mattered, too. They’ve always valued relationships, and their willingness to be part of this says everything about the kind of partner they are. Seeing Jimmie back in the No. 48 at Daytona one last time will be quite a moment.”

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