“Too Far of a Reach!” Disappointed Jimmie Johnson Confirms Iconic Sponsor Won’t Return for His Farewell Cup Race

LMC owner driver Jimmie Johnson has shared his thoughts potentially having Lowe’s as his sponsors for 2027 Daytona 500.

“Too Far of a Reach!” Disappointed Jimmie Johnson Confirms Iconic Sponsor Won’t Return for His Farewell Cup Race

Jimmie Johnson (Via IMAGO)

The 2027 Daytona 500 will mark the final race of Jimmie Johnson’s Cup career as the Legacy Motor Club co-owner has decided to shift his focus to running his team, as well as exploring other racing opportunities instead of running in Cup. It will mark his 703ed start in the top division and end to curious phase of the Hall of Fame racers career as an owner driver.

To make the moment extra special, he joined hands with Hendrick Motorsport’ boss Rick Hendrick and has gotten the permission to use the No:48 on his final start. On his conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio the veteran admitted that the farewell race with his iconic number was a crazy idea, multiple personals and brands needed to come together to make it happen.

It was an idea that I had, and I knew that it was far-fetched, and it’d be complicated and many layers to it, but I gave Rick a call and proposed the idea. And he’s like, ‘Yeah, I love it. Let me get to work.’ And so, with NASCAR and Ally, Alex and all the other important layers, we were able to get that part done and thrilled to have announced it.

Jimmie Johnson said via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

One thing fan would miss though is Lowe’s, the iconic sponsor of Jimme Johnson. They were featured on the legend’s cars from his debut till 2018. Him and Hendrick tried to get them back, couldn’t make it happen. The veteran also has a contract with his current sponsor Carvana for the 2027 race and fans will not see the veteran driving the Lowe’s car in Cup anymore.

Boy, we’ve… I know Hendrick has tried for a long time and I certainly have. So you never want to say never, but with Carvana and our agreement announcement that they’re going to be with me through my final ride in Daytona. You know, I wish there was something there, but that just seems like too far of a reach.

Jimmie Johnson added.

Earlier in the same conversation, Johnson named Hendrick as the person that deserve the most credit for the farewell race moment. Only he could’ve convinced Chevy and Ally to give up one of their most iconic car numbers to Toyota and Carvana. Convincing Alex Bowman might’ve been tough as well considering 2027 is his final year as a full-time Cup racer.

You know, it also speaks to the relationships he has far and wide to be able to pull this off with different manufacturers, obviously title sponsors, you know, we had a conversation with NASCAR and, you know, the variety of layers that are there, there’s only one man that could pull that off, and it’s him.

Jimmie Johnson asserted.
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Jimmie Johnson got no regret over his second NASCAR retirement tour

In the same conversation, the veteran talked about having a second farewell race in NASCAR, as he had retired in 2020 and had a two-year IndyCar stint before returning as an owner driver with LMC. Despite a second retirement being awkward, he is motivated and invigorated, as he is now focussed on leading the team from the garage, while exploring other opportunities.

Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson (Via IMAGO)

I’m on my second go of this. Certainly from a Cup standpoint, my final time in a Cup car will be there at the Daytona 500 in 2027. I am quite occupied in and quite motivated, invigorated, filling that competitive purpose bucket as an owner at LEGACY Motor Club. It really is time for me to stay focused on that on Sundays. If an off-road truck opportunity pops up or something else, I’m definitely open to it. But fully focused on LEGACY.

Jimmie Johnson said.

The comments from the racing legend are on point and shows how he is determined to be the leader LMC wants, considering the team is going through some big changes after recently attracting a new group of investors that includes sport icons and Hollywood legends. It would be interesting to see how the finale is going to playout for the racing legend.

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