NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson will use a new number in 2023

For the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career, Jimmie Johnson will use a number other than No. 48 during the 2023 season when he competes for Petty GMS Motorsports.

After spending the last two years competing for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to return to the Cup Series for the first time since he retired from full-time competition at the end of the 2020 season.

Johnson, who spent 19 seasons as a full-time driver at NASCAR’s top level, only ever competed for Hendrick Motorsports, and he only ever drove the No. 48 Chevrolet. But those two streaks will both come to an end in 2023.

The 47-year-old El Cajon, California native has joined Petty GMS Motorsports as both a part owner and a part-time driver. He is set to compete in select races on the 2023 calendar, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

Aside from his team debut, not much has been confirmed about Johnson’s plans for his return season.

No other races have been announced for Johnson in 2023, and he doesn’t yet have a confirmed crew chief. But perhaps the most intriguing topic of discussion of the offseason surrounding the 83-time race winner is his car number.

When Johnson makes the 687th start of what is set to become a 21-year Cup Series career this coming February, he will be competing for a team other than Rick Hendrick’s organization for the first time, and he will be driving a car with a number other than No. 48 for the first time.

Despite rumors that Hendrick Motorsports would give up the No. 48 to allow Johnson to run it with his new team, Alex Bowman is set to continue to drive the No. 48 Chevrolet in 2023.

So which number will Johnson run at Petty GMS Motorsports?

There have been several numbers floated as good possibilities for Johnson’s entry in 2023, with various reasons used to justify certain suggestions.

Most recently, the No. 49 has emerged as an option, perhaps even the favorite, given the fact that 49 is seven times seven and team co-owner Richard Petty, like Johnson, is also a seven-time champion. With No. 47 off the table, No. 49 is also the single closest number available to No. 48.

There is no timetable on an announcement from Johnson and Petty GMS Motorsports, though with one of Johnson’s planned races being the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 19, that announcement is sure to come sooner rather than later.