NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick extend deal through 2017

One of NASCAR’s more successful and enduring team-sponsor relationships will continue.

Hendrick Motorsports announced Monday that Lowe’s has extended its full-season primary sponsorship of driver Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team for two years, through the 2017 season. Johnson and Hendrick also agreed to a two-year extension of their deal, also through 2017.

“My relationship with Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports means so much,” Johnson said in a statement. “To me, this just reinforces how committed Lowe’s is to our sport and to our partnership. It says a lot to have one sponsor and one team for this amount of time. I couldn’t be prouder to represent everyone at Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports. This is my home, and I’m looking forward to many more victories together as a team.”

Lowe’s has sponsored Johnson since his rookie season of 2002. He has 74 career victories and six Cup championships during that time. Johnson has four victories this season and enters the Chase as the top seed.

Hendrick Motorsports also announced Monday that longtime Johnson crew chief Chad Knaus’ contract runs through 2018.

“The contributions Jimmie and Chad have made to Hendrick Motorsports can’t be overstated,” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “When Lowe’s took a chance by sponsoring the No. 48 team back in 2001, we never could’ve envisioned the results. It’s a championship combination and genuine partnership that we’re proud to continue and committed to develop even further.”

(c)2015 The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)

Visit The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.) at www.charlotteobserver.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.