Johnson extends Hendrick contract

Jimmie Johnson has at least three more years of NASCAR competition left in him.

Friday morning, Hendrick Motorsports announced Johnson, the seven-time and defending Cup Series champion, had signed a contract extension that will take him through the 2020 season. He joined the team in 2002 and in addition to earning his record-tying seventh championship last season, Johnson amassed 83 career wins.

Additionally, sponsor Lowe's has signed an extension to remain on the No. 48 Chevrolet through 2018. Lowe's will continue to be one of the few NASCAR sponsors to have its brand on a car throughout the entire season.

"My relationship with Lowe's, Hendrick Motorsports and all of my teammates means so much to mean," Johnson said in a team release. "I remember hoping to just win one race. Winning seven championships and 83 races was inconceivable, and now we have the opportunity to do even more together. It says a lot to have one sponsor, one crew chief and one team for so long.

"I couldn't be more proud to represent everyone at Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports, and I continue to be as grateful for the opportunity as I was when we started."

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In 14 races this season, Johnson has already locked himself into the playoffs through three victories. The most recent at Dover International Speedway extended Johnson's win record at the track (11) while he tied NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough for sixth on the all-time wins list.

Through 16 full seasons, Johnson has scored at least two wins a year. Even more impressive, Johnson's success has come – and will now continue for the next few years – while working with the same team (Hendrick), same crew chief (Chad Knaus), and the same sponsor (Lowe's).

"Jimmie is one of the best to ever driver," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "We're so fortunate to have him as part of our organization, and I feel even luckier to call him a friend. He's a great champion, a terrific advocate for Lowe's and a true ambassador for NASCAR. There's no better person, and he's as good in the race car today as he's ever been.

"It's such an incredible success story. Without our partnership with Lowe's, it never would've happened. Jimmie was the perfect driver. Chad was the perfect person to lead the team. Every piece of the puzzle just fell into place. It's been an unbelievable experience to watch it all unfold, and we've still got more work to do."

Johnson seeks his 84th career win and second at Michigan International Speedway in Sunday's FireKeepers Casino 400.