“Last Ride!” Jimmie Johnson Set to Driver No:48 Car One Last Time in the 2027 Daytona 500

The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season opener, the Daytona 500 will mark a special occasion. Ex-Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will ride the No:48 car for one last time, his final start in the Cup series. The Legacy Motor Club co-owner and part-time racer was given the permission to use the number by Hendrick Motorsports.

He drove the No:48 Chevy from 2001 to 2020 and retired with 83 wins and seven championships. Now he will mark the end his racing career in the elite division driving a Toyota with the same number, marking his 703th and lasts start. Talking about, Johnson admitted hat he is beyond grateful for the opportunity and asserted that he is beyond excited about the opportunity.

Last ride. 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 (Rick Hendrick’s wife). I am so honored and excited to have my first drive and my last drive in the No. 48.

Jimmie Johnson told Rick Hendrick.

One more race. One more incredible moment.

Hendrick Motorsports is loaning me the No. 48 for my final Cup Series start in the 2027 DAYTONA 500. I’m beyond grateful to Rick, @Alex_Bowman, @TeamHendrick and @AllyRacing for making this possible.

I never imagined this could… pic.twitter.com/N1hg9yaKQf

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 26, 2026

Alex Bowman, the current No:48 driver would have to use another number in what his last Daytona 500 as a full-time HMS racer and they would be yet to announce the new number for the veteran. For Jimmie Johnson, the number represent his whole legacy in the sport, and he promised to never forget the gesture from his ex-boss.

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.

Jimmie Johnson asserted.

Rick Hendrick shared his thoughts on the Jimmie Johnson announcement

Hall of Fame team owner Rick Hendrick also talked about the decision to release the number for his most accomplished drivers’ farewell race and asserted that he felt it was the right thing to do, when he was asked about the potential opportunity.  He also highlighted how the No:48 teams’ long-time sponsor Ally showed class by letting Johnson take the number.

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.

Rick Hendrick said.

Ally chief marketing and PR officer Andrea Brimmer talked about the change as well, as he highlighted how the number has always been special for them and how the racer was family for them. They want to see the veteran running the number again, like the majority of the community, even though they won’t see him wearing their colures like his did from 2018 to 2020.

The 48 has always stood for something bigger than racing: a relationship built on trust, shared wins, and a fanbase that gives everything they have. Jimmie is part of the Ally family, and the chance to see him at Daytona one last time with that number is something our fans deserve as much as he does. We’re proud to be part of making this moment happen.

Andrea Brimmer asserted.

The comments from the senior figures associated with the No:48 team shows how much they respect Johnson as a racer and how they are playing their role in the Hall of Famer’s retirement. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the star driver in his final Dayton 500.

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