FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- When Lowe's and Jimmie Johnson wanted to unveil the special No. 48 Lowe's Patriotic Chevrolet SS that the driver will pilot for the Memorial Day weekend 600-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, they wanted to make it special.
So Wednesday morning, Johnson headed to Ft. Bragg to help honor and remember SPC Michael Rodriguez, whose name will appear on the windshield of the red, white and blue Chevy.
There, he met Rodriguez's mother Lorie, who shared with the driver how impactful seeing her son's name on the car will be.
Then, it was finally time to unveil the very special ride.
Afterward, Lorie got the opportunity to get behind the wheel herself before Johnson hopped into the driver's seat of a vehicle that's a little bigger than his normal ride.
The 600-mile race is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 28, on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.