CONCORD, N.C. – On an exciting day when Hendrick Motorsports announced its full-season contract extension with Ally Financial, Jimmie Johnson visited the media center at Dover International Speedway to talk about the continued partnership and his history of success at the concrete oval.
Ally announced earlier this morning that they have extended their primary partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team through the 2023 season.
“I’m very, very excited that Ally has signed this extension,” Johnson said. “I think it speaks to the strength of our sport, strength of the relationship with Hendrick Motorsports.”
Since the partnership began in October 2018, Ally has been very active in the sport. From filling care packages with the USO to teaching financial responsibility and money management skills through its Fueling Futures program, the organization has stood behind Johnson and the No. 48 team to “do it right” in the community.
“The energy Ally has brought to the No. 48 team, Hendrick Motorsports and the sport of NASCAR is contagious,” the driver said. “They have embraced our fans, activated their program in unique ways and supported me at every turn, from racing my No. 48 car every week to running the Boston Marathon. It’s a true bond – not just a business transaction. We care about each other’s success. I’m proud to be associated with Ally and can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”
At the time of the partnership extension announcement, the seven-time champion noted he would announce his driving plans for 2021 and beyond at a later date.
“I don’t have a timeline,” Johnson said. “I personally know that I would like every day that I can before I need to make that decision. There’s a lot of things to look at with the Gen-7 car coming and the way our team is performing and what we are building. And, I might want to go longer than 2023. I just don’t know. I have not put much time and effort into it. There have been many other things to deal with and look at.”
Although his plans past the 2020 season are not set in stone, he’s now setting his sights on one of his best-performing racetracks.
The El Cajon, California native has plenty of experience taming the “Monster Mile”, being the winningest driver at the concrete track with 11 wins. The one-mile venue is also the sight of Johnson’s last win, which took place on June 4, 2017. After leading just seven laps, he was able to race his No. 48 Chevrolet to the checkered flag which tied him for sixth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list.
The seven-time champion will look to tame the track once again this Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.