Charlotte, N.C. • Lowe's, one of the last remaining corporate giants in NASCAR, announced Wednesday that it will not sponsor seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson after this season, an ominous sign for the nation's top racing series.
For Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports, it means the best NASCAR driver of his generation has a blank slate of "inventory" for the first time in nearly two decades.
"Jimmie is one of the greatest champions and ambassadors in all of sports and still at the top of his game," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "This change opens up all kinds of possibilities, and we look forward to having conversations with potential new partners.