Jimmie Johnson Signs Contract Extension With Hendrick

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Two days before he attempts to wrap up a historic fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson has announced a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will keep the champ driving the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet through the 2015 season.

"It's the only car I've ever driven,'' Johnson said with a smile Friday morning. "I'm very proud of that.''

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His proud team owner Rick Hendrick sat next to Johnson to proudly make the announcement.

"This has been a fantastic ride with Jimmie,'' Hendrick said. "He and I have said we'd like to retire together.''

"It's a huge, huge, huge deal for both of us. But we feel really good about it. Lowe's has always been really extremely good in their incentives. They like to win and Jimmie and Chad (crew chief Chad Knaus) have delivered.''

Hendrick also addressed the future of four-time champion Jeff Gordon, who has a lifetime contract with the team.

"As long as he drives in Cup , he's going to drive our car,'' Hendrick said. "I'm hoping he's going to drive a bunch of more years. We know it's going to be at least three or four, so we're excited about that.''

"You know Jimmie and I try to look at a lifetime deal, but I couldn't borrow enough money to make it work,'' he added with a smile.