Jimmie Johnson to run No. 48 in final Cup start at 2027 Daytona 500

Seven‑time champion Jimmie Johnson announced he will compete in the 2027 Daytona 500, using the iconic No. 48 for his farewell NASCAR Cup Series start. Hendrick Motorsports and Ally Financial agreed to loan the No. 48 to Johnson and Legacy Motor Club, and NASCAR approved the one‑race number loan without affecting driver or owner points.

Johnson will drive a Legacy Motor Club Toyota Camry XSE bearing the No. 48, a number under which he won seven championships, 83 Cup races and 18,941 laps. The gesture reunites him with the number most associated with his two‑decade career, and was facilitated by team owner Rick Hendrick.

The event marks the final start for Johnson, who retired from full‑time racing after the 2020 season, and also coincides with Alex Bowman’s announced retirement at the end of the 2027 season.