Hendrick Motorsports announced this morning the signing of a three-year agreement with Lowe's Companies that secures sponsorship of the No. 48 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevrolet through 2013.

“Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports are a key part of our marketing efforts and outreach to our more than 225,000 employees,” said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “We believe this is the best combination in racing, and we’re proud to have Jimmie carry the Lowe’s name in NASCAR.”

Three-time NASCAR champion and current point leader Jimmie Johnson signed a five-year extension with Hendrick Motorsports to continue with the organization through 2015.

“Lowe’s commitment to the 48 team and Hendrick Motorsports is tremendous and has been a source of pride for me personally,” said Johnson, 34, who never has had a primary sponsor other than Lowe’s in Sprint Cup competition. “We’ve built a championship team together, and I’m proud the 48 will carry the Lowe’s colors for many more years.”

Johnson and Lowe’s previously were signed through the 2010 season.

The successful combination of Hendrick, Lowe's and Johnson came together in 2001 when Jimmie Johnson was selected to drive the No. 48 car with newly acquired sponsor Lowe's.

“Lowe’s took a chance on us back in 2001, and it’s not a stretch to say this whole thing would never have been possible without them,” said Rick Hendrick, who co-owns the No. 48 team with driver Jeff Gordon. “When you have a partner put that much faith in you, it’s incredibly rewarding to see them be successful. They’re a company with values and practices that we admire and learn from in our own business, and we feel very fortunate to continue this amazing ride together."

Jimmie Johnson and the Chad Knaus led No. 48 team stand a good chance to make NASCAR history in the season closing Ford 400 this weekend at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.

“Jimmie is charting new territory in our sport, and that’s due to a combination of natural talent and unsurpassed work ethic," Hendrick explained. "How he’s committed himself is just incredible, and it shows in everything that he does -- not just on the racetrack. There’s no question that he’s one of the great champions in all of sports, and he’s not done yet.”

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