Jimmie Johnson to drive iconic No. 48 in final Daytona 500 start

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set for a final return to the driver seat of his iconic No. 48 car. Hendrick Motorsports confirmed that Johnson will pilot the vehicle for the 2027 Daytona 500, marking a reunion with the number that defined his legendary career.

Johnson built his status as a sport icon during his tenure at Hendrick Motorsports, where he secured all 83 of his Cup Series race wins and his seven championships. This arrangement allows him a symbolic conclusion to his competitive racing career in the same machine he drove for 686 of his 702 career starts.

Rick Hendrick noted the significance of the partnership, stating that the number holds deep historical ties to both the driver and the team. Ally, the primary sponsor, supported the decision as a nod to the relationships built during those championship years.

Since 2023, Johnson has competed on a part-time basis for Legacy Motor Club behind the wheel of the No. 84. This special entry for the Daytona 500 serves as a one-time opportunity to revisit the history of the No. 48. Current driver Alex Bowman will shift to a different car number for the event, as he also prepares for his upcoming retirement from full-time racing at the end of the 2027 season.