NASCAR: Lowe's leaving as sponsor following conclusion of 2018 season

After the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season comes to a close in November, long-time sponsor Lowe’s will no longer be a sponsor in the series.

When the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series conclusion reaches its conclusion with the 36th and final race of the year, the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida on Sunday, November 18th, Lowe’s Companies Inc. will have sponsored a Cup Series car for the last time, barring a decision to return to the sport in future years.

Lowe’s have been the primary sponsor, and the only primary sponsor, of the #48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, which is driven by seven-time Cup Series championship Jimmie Johnson, since the 2001 Cup Series season.

However, in the 2019 Cup Series season, the #48 Chevrolet will need to find a new full-time sponsor, as Lowe’s will not be returning for a 19th season.

More from Jimmie Johnson

As referenced above, Lowe’s have sponsored Johnson since he made his Cup Series debut in the 2001 season as a part-time driver. They have stuck with him in each of his 17 full-time seasons since them.

In the 16 full seasons that have been completed since Johnson began driving full-time in the Cup Series, as he is currently driving in his 17th, he has won 83 races and seven championships. His victory total of 83 is one race away from a 4th place tie on the all-time wins list, and his championship total of seven is tied for the all-time title record with the seven championships of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

With Lowe’s as his primary sponsor, Johnson has also racked up 222 top 5 finishes, 341 top 10 finishes, 35 pole positions and 18,663 laps led. His average finish is 12.5, and he has been running at the finish in 527 of his 583 career races.

Here is what Lowe’s chief customer officer had to say about the company’s decision to no longer sponsor the #48 Chevrolet beyond the conclusion of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season, according to NASCAR.com.

"“Working with Hendrick Motorsports, Jimmie, Chad (Knaus) and the entire No. 48 team has been an incredible journey. Rick Hendrick and his organization have been exceptional partners, and we could not have asked for more from Jimmie – a consummate champion and an incredible representative for our brand and his sport.“The No. 48 team is a valuable property and has been an integral part of building the Lowe’s brand, which makes today’s decision difficult as we now look to invest in other strategic initiatives. Although we are evolving our strategy, there’s no question that being a part of seven championships and many history-making moments has been valuable for Lowe’s.”"

Here is what Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick had to say about losing Lowe’s as the primary sponsor of the #48 Chevrolet beyond the conclusion of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season, according to NASCAR.com.

"“We are so appreciative of everyone at Lowe’s. They have been amazing partners. With seven championships, this program has delivered far beyond what anyone could have imagined. It goes without saying that we will fully support Lowe’s and our program together in 2018 as we pursue another championship. The success of the relationship has been unbelievable.”“Jimmie is one of the greatest champions and ambassadors in all of sports and still at the top of his game. This change opens up all kinds of possibilities, and we look forward to having conversations with potential new partners. It’s a special opportunity with an iconic athlete and team.”"

Here is what Jimmie Johnson, who signed a deal last season to remain with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season, had to say about losing Lowe’s as the primary sponsor of his #48 Chevrolet beyond the conclusion of the 2018 season, according to NASCAR.com.

"“I’ll always be grateful to Lowe’s for taking a chance on me and believing that I could win. I’m not sure where I’d be right now if they hadn’t committed to the No. 48 team. It’s hard to see them move on, but we’ve made history together and celebrated so much success on and off the track. There’s still a lot left to do in 2018.“I have more to accomplish in this sport. I feel the best I’ve ever felt physically. I’m motivated. I’m focused on winning races and chasing more championships. Someone (a new sponsor) will be a big part of writing that story with us. I’m not going anywhere.”"

Next: Top 10 NASCAR drivers of all-time

Which company will step up to the plate and sponsor the Jimmie Johnson-driven #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season? Will the car have multiple primary sponsors throughout the season? Even with 32 of the 36 races on this season’s schedule still ahead of us, it is certainly not too early to look ahead.

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NASCAR: Lowe’s leaving as sponsor following conclusion of 2018 season

By Asher Fair | Mar 14, 2018

After the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season comes to a close in November, long-time sponsor Lowe’s will no longer be a sponsor in the series.