MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Ally Financial, a bank holding company headquartered in Detroit, Mich. will join Hendrick Motorsports as the whole-season primary sponsor of Jimmie Johnson’s iconic No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in a two-year deal beginning in 2019.
The partnership will feature the leading digital financial services company on the seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion driver’s car across the entire 38-race NASCAR schedule, beginning with 2019 DAYTONA Speedweeks and the 61st running of the Daytona 500.
The new partnership with Ally is a reunion of sorts for Hendrick Motorsports.
GMAC, a sponsor with Hendrick Motorsports over 15 seasons from 1993 to 2007, grew from an associate sponsorship to full-season sponsorships across all three of NASCAR’s national divisions with a powerhouse of drivers including Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, Jerry Nadeau, Jack Sprague, Ron Hornaday Jr., Ricky Hendrick, Brian Vickers and Casey Mears. GMAC was rebranded to Ally Bank in 2009 and again to Ally Financial in 2010.
Johnson, 43, last June signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2020.
“The opportunity to work with a partner like Ally is incredible,” said Johnson. “Their commitment to leading in both the workplace and the community is something that resonates with me in a big way. They’ve sent a strong message about how much they believe in me and in our team, and I will do my part to make sure it’s the best investment they’ve ever made. I’m ready to chase more history with Ally on board the ‘48.’”
Ally provides financial services including online banking, car finance, corporate lending, vehicle insurance, mortgages, credit cards and brokerage firm services.
With a commitment to doing right by its customers, Ally has also changed the online banking landscape with innovative digital experiences, 24/7 customer service, great rates and a cash-back credit card. Ally’s full scope of financial services offerings includes its award-winning online bank, auto finance and insurance businesses, digital wealth management and online brokerage platform, mortgage-lending services and Corporate Finance operation.
Its corporate citizenship programs include charitable giving, employee contribution matching, volunteerism, financial education, Ally Grants and more.
“We are beyond thrilled to be in the fast lane with Jimmie Johnson, one of the most successful drivers in the history of NASCAR, and with Hendrick Motorsports, a premier organization in professional sports,” said Jeffrey Brown, CEO at Ally. “Both share Ally’s passion for delivering results for our customers and for our communities, with a deep commitment to ‘do it right’ for the people who count on us most. We look forward to working with this extraordinary team to build a strong and successful relationship as Ally enters this exciting sport.”
Ally replaces Lowe’s, which in a business decision is ending their partnership with Johnson and Hendrick after an 18-year run.
“Working with Hendrick Motorsports, Jimmie, Chad (Knaus) and the entire No. 48 team has been an incredible journey,” said Michael P. McDermott, Lowe’s chief customer officer in March. “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.”
Johnson and the No. 48 team have cemented themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in sports. Their record-tying seven Cup titles – equaled only be legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt include five in a row from 2006-2010. In 2009, Johnson became the first race car driver ever to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.
Johnson, a native of El Cajon, Calif. has earned 83 points-paying Cup wins and led more than 18,000 career laps.
He made his record 15th consecutive Cup Series Playoff appearance this season but was eliminated following the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway last month.
Hendrick Motorsports also announced earlier this month that Chad Knaus, the seven-time Cup Series championship crew chief, however, will not return with Johnson next season.
Kevin Meendering current Xfinity Series crew chief for Elliott Sadler at JR Motorsports will oversee the No. 48 team in 2019. Knaus will move to the No. 24 Cup team driven by 2017 Xfinity Series champion William Byron.
This story will be updated.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
