Jimmie Johnson is one of the most popular drivers in all of NASCAR, making his Lowe's sponsored car one of the most recognizable vehicles on the track.
After some news that the sponsor would be disappearing from his car in the future, Johnson ended speculation on Wednesday as the company announced that they signed the driver to a two-year extension. According to ESPN.com, the company signed a two-year extension with Johnson to remain his primary sponsor on the No. 48 car for Hendrick Motorsports.
The five-time Sprint Cup series champion is considered one of the top drivers in NASCAR and the company announced the news to at a national sales meeting after Johnson took home the Daytona 500 for the second time in his career. His original deal runs through 2015 and now will extend for two more years.
"It has been a great ride with Jimmie since he started in the Cup Series 12 years ago," Tom Lamb, Lowe's chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "We are proud to sponsor one of the most elite teams and drivers in racing and have a five-time champion carry the Lowe's brand each week."
Lowe's and Johnson have been together as sponsor and driver since 2002, which was his first full time season on the Sprint Cup. Johnson has been one of the most successful drivers on the circuit during that time, winning 61 races and never finishing lower than sixth in the points standings.
Johnson won five straight Sprint Cup titles from 2006 to 2010 and is just the second driver to keep one primary sponsor for his first 400 career starts on the circuit. Johnson's championship success is only behind Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty and he is on his way to putting himself in good position for another title after winning at Daytona.
Lowe's believed in me before I had any success," Johnson said. "They are all I've ever known in my Sprint Cup career, and their support of me and the No. 48 team is second to none in the sport. We've been together for this crazy ride and I'm so happy we're continuing it together. They truly are family and I'm proud to represent them."
