Johnson Unveils New-Look Lowe’s Paint Scheme

SANTEE, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2005) – Jimmie Johnson unveiled a redesigned version of his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet today at the Lowe’s store in Santee, just minutes from his hometown of El Cajon. The newly painted No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet was designed by a Lowe’s employee and serves as the first major redesign of the car since Johnson assumed driving duties in 2001. “This design was definitely a total team effort,” Johnson said. “Chad (Knaus, crew chief) and I, along with our team and thousands of Lowe’s employees, were very involved in the new concept. “I think it looks really good, and I think it will look even better when we get it to Victory Lane.” The new design, one of six finalists, was the top choice of the more than 20,000 employees who voted. The scheme was submitted by Bryan Turnmire, a production artist at Lowe’s corporate office in Mooresville, N.C., a fact that was unknown to the voters. Turnmire is a 14-year Lowe’s employee, originally from Creston, N.C. “I’m a Lowe’s employee and a race fan,” Turnmire said. “To be able to bring both together and design a car for Lowe’s is a great privilege. “It’s a thrill to see something you have designed blaze down the track watched by millions of people. I designed the car to look fast and aggressive. I look forward to seeing it for the first time on the track!” The new paint scheme will debut at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race Oct. 16 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, hundreds of Lowe’s employees who represent the top stores in the company will be in attendance. “Our more than 175,000 Lowe’s employees take a great deal of pride in Team Lowe’s and we want to make sure they know that this is their team,” said Bob Gfeller, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing/advertising. “This is the first of many great programs we are initiating for our employees in the upcoming months. They really are the engine behind Lowe’s success.” The new-look No. 48 Chevrolet will make its full-time debut in the 2006 season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.