Lowes Ends Sponsorship Of NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson

MOORESVILLE, NC — For the first time in his Cup series driving career, NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson will be looking for a new sponsor. After nearly two decades, Lowe’s Companies is ending its primary sponsorship of Johnson and the Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 team, the company announced today.

Mooresville-based Lowe’s, which has been a primary sponsor for the No. 48 team since 2001, is ending the partnership at the end of the 2018 season.

The company will not be sponsoring any car next season. While the news took many fans by surprise, it was not totally unexpected to sport insiders. In June 2017, Johnson signed a three-year contract with Hendrick Motorsport, however, Lowes only signed a one-year extension, according to ESPN.

“The No. 48 team is a valuable property and has been an integral part of building the Lowe’s brand, which makes today’s decision difficult as we now look to invest in other strategic initiatives,” said Michael P. McDermott, Lowe’s chief customer officer. “Although we are evolving our strategy, there’s no question that being a part of seven championships and many history-making moments has been valuable for Lowe’s.”

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, said Lowe’s had been an amazing partner over the years. “With seven championships, this program has delivered far beyond what anyone could have imagined,” Hendrick said. “It goes without saying that we will fully support Lowe’s and our program together in 2018 as we pursue another championship.”

What do you think about this news? Sound off in the comment section.

Send local news tips, photos, and press releases to kimberly.johnson@patch.com. Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Mooresville — or other neighborhoods. Access Patch on the go with our iPhone app or our brand new app for Android phone users.

Photo viaShutterstock