Jimmie Johnson‘s #48 will be adorned in Ally Financial colours in 2019. Shortly before Sunday’s First Data 500 race at Martinsville Speedway, Johnson announced the online banking company will assume full-time sponsorship of his car in 2019 and 2020, replacing longtime partner Lowe’s. Ally will sponsor the #48 for every race, including the exhibition events.
“We are beyond thrilled to be in the fast lane with Jimmie Johnson, one of the most successful drivers in the history of NASCAR, and with Hendrick Motorsports, a premier organization in professional sports,” Ally CEO Jeffrey Brown stated in a Hendrick Motorsports press release. “Both share Ally’s passion for delivering results for our customers and for our communities, with a deep commitment to ‘do it right’ for the people who count on us most. We look forward to working with this extraordinary team to build a strong and successful relationship as Ally enters this exciting sport.”
Credit: Sherryl Creekmore/NASCAR
Ally is technically no stranger to the NASCAR scene. For much of its existence until 2010, it was known as GMAC (General Motors Acceptance Corporation), which frequently sponsored Hendrick’s Monster Energy Cup and Xfinity Series cars during the early 2000s. Most notably, it was a primary sponsor of the Hendrick #25 Cup car driven by Brian Vickers and Casey Mears from 2004 to 2007.
In March, Lowe’s announced it would withdraw from sponsorship of the #48 after the 2018 season, ending an eighteen-year relationship that included seven championships. The Ally Financial sponsorship also comes as part of a new era for the #48; while Johnson is signed with Hendrick through the 2020 season, he will not be together with crew chief Chad Knaus.
“The opportunity to work with a partner like Ally is incredible,” Johnson said. “Their commitment to leading in both the workplace and the community is something that resonates with me in a big way. They’ve sent a strong message about how much they believe in me and in our team, and I will do my part to make sure it’s the best investment they’ve ever made. I’m ready to chase more history with Ally on board the 48.”
