Team Lowe's to honor military with patriotic scheme

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 15, 2009) -- Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus, along with six Lowe’s employees with more than 30 years of military duty, today unveiled the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS that Johnson will drive in the Memorial Day weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 24. “We typically don’t have a lot of special paint schemes throughout the year,” said Johnson, who will be trying for this fourth win in the Memorial Day weekend race. “This event is usually an exception though. It means a lot to honor our country and all the people in the military. Both my grandfathers served so I understand the importance of showing our support.” The car’s design carries the names of 12,548 Lowe’s employees who are military veterans or reservists. The names are showcased on the car’s hood and decklid. The remaining paint scheme was inspired partly by Knaus. The No. 48 crew chief worked with Lowe’s to create the patriotic-themed car to help honor the military. “For some reason those patriotic schemes we used to run back home have always stuck in my mind,” Knaus said. “They were special and meant something to us. Last year a serviceman approached me at Pocono and told me how much the paint schemes Lowe’s has during Memorial Day weekend meant to those that serve. So I really wanted to work with Lowe’s and the team to create an extra-special one this year.” Knaus, who got his start in racing by working with his father’s team in Rockford, Ill., used images of the red, white and blue schemes his father drove to help develop the concept for the Memorial Day weekend car. Lowe’s and the No. 48 team have a history of supporting the military and honoring the country over the years. In 2001, Johnson’s first Sprint Cup race came at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in the No. 48 Lowe’s car, which was specially painted to honor the country. Johnson started 15th and finished 39th. “Lowe’s began as its founders returned from serving their country in World War II, and for more than 60 years we have had a long tradition of hiring veterans and reservists to work on our team,” said Bob Gfeller, Lowe’s SVP of Marketing. “We are proud to celebrate their service to the USA with this very special one of a kind paint scheme of the Team Lowe’s 48 Impala and to honor all of our nation’s military this Memorial Day weekend.” In support of the Memorial Day holiday, Lowe’s will offer a 10 percent discount to all active, reserve, honorably discharged, and retired military personnel and their immediate families. In addition, a special page has been set up on LowesRacing.com giving fans the opportunity to thank the military members who mean the most to them by posting photographs and stories of themselves, friends or family members on the site. Lowe’s employees also may visit the site to locate the placement of their name on the car. Visit LowesRacing.com for more information.