Rick Hendrick shared his thoughts on Friday about Jimmie Johnson’s return to NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Johnson announced on Friday that he is returning to the Cup Series as a part-owner and part-time driver for Petty GMS.
The team switch is a big change for Johnson, who drove the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports from 2002-20.
Hendrick shared a statement about Johnson’s return. He said he supports Johnson’s return but acknowledged how different it will be competing against the 47-year-old.
“This is a tremendous day for our sport. Jimmie is one of the all-time great champions on the racetrack, and I know he’ll apply the same mentality to his role as a team owner. When he sets his mind to something, the level of commitment and work ethic he brings is unsurpassed,” Hendrick said.
“Seeing Jimmie in a firesuit with his name on the roof of a Chevrolet at the DAYTONA 500 is going to be very special for a lot of people. Competing against him will certainly be a change, and a big challenge, but we welcome his return to NASCAR and look forward to the next chapter of a truly remarkable career.”
Johnson has not shared details about the part-time schedule he will be driving, but he did say he will be racing in the Daytona 500.
Hendrick Motorsports fields four cars full-time in the Cup Series. Those cars are: the No. 5. driven by Kyle Larson, the No. 9 driven by Chase Elliott, the No. 24 driven by William Byron, and the 48 driven by Alex Bowman and Noah Gragson.