Jimmie Johnson gets permission to use old number for final NASCAR Cup Series race

It’s only fitting.

For his final NASCAR Cup Series race, the 2027 Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson will use the car number he enjoyed so much success with at Hendrick Motorsports — No. 48. 

Johnson will compete in the event for Legacy Motor Club, of which he is an owner. But Hendrick and sponsors gave him permission to don the 48 currently used by Alex Bowman. Bowman will pivot to another number for the one-off occasion.

“This is far more than a number,” Johnson said in a news release. “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), Hendrick Motorsports, Ally and everyone who made this possible. It’s a gesture I’ll carry with me forever.”

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Since leaving Hendrick Motorsports and retiring from full-time action in 2020, Johnson has made 16 part-time starts for Legacy. His car has displayed the number 84.

Before that, though, 48 was the only number he ever knew at the sport’s highest level. He won 83 races and captured a record-tying seven championships with it.

“The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” Hendrick said. “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.” 

Johnson also teased more announcements to come surrounding his last ride during Sunday’s Brickyard 400 pre-race show on TNT.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Jimmie Johnson gets permission to use old number for final NASCAR Cup Series race