CONCORD, N.C. – Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will feature a military-themed paint scheme for next week’s 600-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion revealed the ride during a military gratitude event Tuesday on the Hendrick Motorsports campus.
“Can you see it?” Johnson joked after unveiling the camouflaged Chevy.
Atop the windshield of the No. 48 Chevy is the name of Army Sgt. Richard Donlan, who died in combat during the Vietnam War.
Sgt. Donlan’s nephew, Laine Donlan, is an Ally employee and member of Ally’s veteran employee resource group. He was on hand to help Johnson unveil the special paint scheme.
"This tribute is an incredible honor for our family, particularly for my dad, who lost his younger brother at such a young age," he said. "When I submitted his name to be mentioned alongside other fallen soldiers, I had no idea Uncle Rick would be memorialized on the front of a seven-time NASCAR champion's car. It's humbling to know his service and sacrifice will be known by so many."
After unveiling the car, Johnson and volunteers from Ally, the USO and the No. 48 team helped make approximately 1,000 care packages for active service members.
"The NASCAR Salutes program is something I've been fortunate to have been a part of many times in my career," Johnson said. "In Ally, I'm very proud to have a sponsor that's supporting one of their own, and it's an honor to have Sgt. Richard Donlan's name on our car. It means so much to the families involved, and it's very cool to make a personal connection with them. Having grandparents who served, I have so much respect and am thankful for our military, both past and present, and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It's a very special weekend all around."
For an up-close look at Johnson’s newest paint scheme, click here.