This could very well be Jimmie Johnson’s last Southern 500 in his illustrious career. If this is the last time he participates in throwback weekend, he’ll be going out with a huge bang.
On Wednesday, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion revealed that he will drive a scheme featuring pieces of the famed paint schemes from the other two seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champions — Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
I’m proud to honor these two legends and what they’ve meant to me and the sport with this 7x scheme at Darlington. #RichardPetty #DaleEarnhardt pic.twitter.com/K8gJ2aoSoC
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 19, 2020
The No. 48 will feature Petty’s iconic “Petty Blue” with STP day-glo red on the hood and roof of the car. The Ally logo also is mocked up to look a lot like the STP logo. Meanwhile the remainder of the car looks like Earnhardt’s intimidating black GM Goodwrench Service scheme, which was used from 1988 until his passing in 2001.
This is a unique paint scheme, and it’s a cool tribute to the greatest of the great in the sport’s history.
Johnson, who sits 17th in the Playoff Grid currently, which would put him outside the Playoffs, is looking to work his way into a chance at competing for a record eighth championship this season. Johnson sits 25 points behind teammate William Byron for the final Playoff berth. If Johnson can overcome the point deficit or win a race, he’ll be in the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
