Auto retailer Carvana "will be featured" on Jimmie Johnson's IndyCar Honda starting next year in a primary sponsorship role with Chip Ganassi Racing "that will carry his longtime No. 48," according to Nathan Brown of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Johnson will make his IndyCar debut March 7 in St. Petersburg, and he is "planning to run a 13-race road and street course-only program for CGR." Team Owner Chip Ganassi and Johnson "needed help" from Arrow McLaren SP to "finalize the program." The latter team "had taken over ownership of the No. 48 earlier this year, likely in anticipation of working out a program with Johnson." But Johnson on Saturday said that through talks with IndyCar President Jay Frye, they were "able to work out a deal to pick up his longtime number to be stylized in CGR's font." Ganassi on Saturday also affirmed that he "plans for the No. 48 to run all 17 races in 2021 and for it to be the team's fourth entry, with an oval-only driver to be announced at a later date" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/25).
SWITCHING THINGS UP: The AP's Jenna Fryer wrote Johnson with CGR is a "striking partnership in that Johnson has spent the past 19 seasons driving for Rick Hendrick." Johnson "sought Hendrick's blessing before signing the deal." The driver and his management team "shopped for sponsorship, with Johnson personally engaging with 44 prospects." It is the "first time he's doing the actual selling of his own brand." Carvana becomes "just the third sponsor for Johnson in two decades." He had "worried he'd have to sell his IndyCar schedule in batches of two and three races to multiple companies" because of the "economic challenges in finding sponsorship today." Carvana has a "light sponsorship portfolio" in sports -- it is the jersey sponsor for USL Phoenix Rising FC -- and is "new to motorsports." Johnson used his large social media presence "to sway Carvana" (AP, 10/24).
TIP YOUR HAT: In Dallas, John Sturbin noted Johnson was "honored" by Texas Motor Speedway management before making his final full-time start at the track yesterday for the AutoTrader EchoPark 500. Johnson "unveiled a 'Jimmie Johnson Winner's Circle' sign above the entry gate to SpeedyCash.com Victory Lane during the Texas Lottery No Limits Live! Pre-Race Show." TMS' all-time Cup wins leader (7) also was "presented a one-of-a-kind pair of cowboy boots from Lucchese Boots" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/26).
