During the Brickyard 400 pre-race show, Hendrick Motorsports founder Rick Hendrick announced that Jimmie Johnson will drive Legacy Motor Club’s No. 48 entry in the 2027 Daytona 500.
Hendrick Motorsports has used the number for the past 25 years, most recently with Alex Bowman, but an agreement has been reached to release it for Johnson’s final Cup start.
Johnson will make his 703rd and final NASCAR Cup start in the 69th running of the Daytona 500, and the stock car racing legend earned most of his success in the No. 48. Johnson drove the No. 48 to all 83 of his Cup victories and each of his seven championships. Johnson also drove the No. 48 in all 29 of his IndyCar starts (including the 2022 Indianapolis 500) and some IMSA endurance races in recent years.
Johnson last drove the No. 48 NASCAR entry in the 2020 Cup finale at Phoenix -- his final race with Hendrick Motorsports. He has since made a handful of starts in the No. 84 as the co-owner of Legacy Motor Club.
One more race. One more incredible moment.
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 26, 2026
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
Johnson first approached Hendrick about using the No. 48 for his final Cup race. Hendrick then consulted Bowman, Ally and NASCAR before an agreement was reached.
"Last ride," said Johnson, talking directly to Mr. Hendrick. "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."
Johnson also said that there are "more exciting layers" to be announced at a later date, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. hinted at the return of the iconic Hendrick No. 25 for the car Alex Bowman will be driving at Daytona. However, Bowman's number for the 2027 Daytona 500 has not yet been confirmed.
