Johnson to drive three Nationwide Series races in 2008

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 12, 2007) - Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports announced today that two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 5 Lowe’s Chevrolet in three Nationwide Series races in 2008. Johnson will once again race in Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s May 24 and Oct.10 races plus California Speedway’s race on Aug. 30. He has driven in these three races in 2006 and 2007. Johnson, who drives full-time in the Sprint Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports, said the Nationwide races are part work and part play. “I always love running the Nationwide car,” said Johnson, whose No. 5 Chevrolet will be fielded by JR Motorsports in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. “We have raced in this series a few times over the last few years and performed pretty well. It’s a fun series to drive in. I want to have fun, but I would like to get a few more victories there. I have one from 2001, but I would like a lot more.” Johnson, 32, is the 2006 and 2007 Sprint Cup champion. In 2007 he won 10 races -- the most of any driver -- on his way to becoming the first back-to-back title winner since Jeff Gordon in 1998. Johnson’s 33 victories ties him for the 18th most victories in NASCAR history. Lowe’s officials said sponsorship of Johnson’s Nationwide Series effort is a way for Lowe’s to give back to Johnson’s fans and its employees. “We are very pleased to sponsor Jimmie in this series again in 2008,” said Bob Gfeller, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing and advertising. “Our customers, employees and race fans love to see the two-time NASCAR champion on the track on Saturday as well as Sunday.” Johnson owns 87 Nationwide Series starts, winning the Chicagoland Speedway race in 2001.