CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson will hit the track with his signature No. 48 for the Rolex 24 race this January at Daytona International Speedway.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will start for the eighth time at the 24-hour event. In conjunction with Action Express Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson will rev his engine in a No. 48 Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R.
“We’ve been talking to Jimmie about running with us for many months,” said Gary Nelson, Action Express Racing's team manager. “It all came together in November with the support of Hendrick Motorsports and their tremendous partner, Ally. Jimmie has a lot of experience at Daytona, not only on the oval, but turning into the infield, as well.”
The last time Johnson raced in the Rolex 24 was in 2011 when he and his team placed 15th. He will help field a crew consisting of drivers Simon Pagenaud, Kamui Kobayashi and Mike Rockenfeller.
“The Rolex 24 at Daytona is one of the marquee races in the world,” Johnson said. “It’s such a challenging event for both team and driver and requires a high level of concentration throughout. It’s a fun and unique race to compete in. This will be the first time I’ve raced with Action Express and have been very impressed with the team and its preparation.
“I’m also excited to have Ally on board and to be co-driving with Simon, Kamui and Mike, who are three world-class drivers with experience in this race and the DPi Class. I’ve finished second in this event, so I’m looking forward to trying to get on the top step in 2021.”
The Rolex 24 is a 24-hour race that has teams of drivers from across the racing world compete in a 3.56-mile combined road course. The drivers all will get a chance to hit the track on Dec. 8 and 9 to get practice laps in before they gear up for the event in the final weekend of January.
“We can’t wait to see Jimmie and his teammates run the Daytona road course in the No. 48 Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R,” said Andrea Brimmer, the chief marketing and public relations officer at Ally. “We are happy to continue supporting him as he tries to conquer another legendary race at this legendary track.”
The 59th running of the Rolex 24 is set for Jan. 30-31 at Daytona International Speedway.