Johnson said he sees NASCAR growing and does not think Lowe's leaving is a reflection on the sportGETTY IMAGES
Jimmie Johnson "wishes he didn't have to seek a sponsor" for next season in the wake of Lowe's pending departure, but he "doesn't appear [to be] sweating the future," according to Bob Pockrass of ESPN.com. Johnson said, "I see our sport growing. I see many new sponsors coming into Hendrick Motorsports. I see a returning sponsor (in Busch and the 2018 pole award) coming to NASCAR. I've seen full grandstands. It's been an exciting start to the season, so I really don't feel it is a reflection on the sport." He added, "In the initial feedback since the announcement has gone out, there is great optimism that we'll land an amazing sponsor. ... Marketing today has changed quite a bit, and as much as we all want to think corporations look at a 10-, 15-, 20-year run for a marketing plan, they really do look year to year" (ESPN.com, 3/16). Former NASCAR driver Casey Mears said of Lowe’s leaving the sport, “Obviously, it's huge. It’s a sponsor that's been around a long time. ... You’ve got to think about it. Not many sponsors last that long (of a) period, so I think it was a great run. They all enjoyed the relationship and I think they all benefited from the relationship a lot. I think they also look at it as an opportunity now to what's next, as far as that team and that program" ("NASCAR RaceDay," FS1, 3/18).
