Gordon becomes owner.

Elwood · September 19, 2001

Just what we need, another Jeff Gordon. Maybe he can just walk around like this :stupid: Anyway, just thought you'd all like to know this.

From Yahoo Sports:

"Gordon ventures into ownership, tabs Johnson as driver

By JENNA FRYER

AP Sports Writer

September 18, 2001

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon crossed over to the business side of racing on Tuesday as part owner of the Chevrolets Jimmie Johnson will drive next season.

Gordon joined Rick Hendrick, owner of his Winston Cup team, as the leadership for Johnson's team. Gordon will move into a new race shop next season along with Johnson, who currently runs in the Busch series.

Jerry Nadeau and Terry Labonte, the other two drivers for Hendrick Motorsports, will remain in their current race shops.

``This is the future of Hendrick Motorsports, and I think you'll find it's the future of Winston Cup racing,'' Gordon said. ``I think you'll see a lot more two-car teams working together like this, sharing information and building off each other.''

Lowe's Home Improvement will sponsor the No. 48 Chevrolet Johnson will drive. The home improvement retailer is ending its sponsorship with Richard Childress Racing at the end of the year.

Mike Skinner, who currently drives the Lowe's sponsored car, is winless in five-plus seasons.

So, in introducing Johnson, who turned 26 Monday, the sponsor rolled out one of his new cars pulling a motorized ski craft.

``It may be a little small, but if you put that car into victory lane next year there will be a boat attached to it,'' said Bob Tillman, president of Lowe's.

Johnson, who has one win in the Busch series this season, will make his Winston Cup debut at Lowe's Motor Speedway next month. He'll also race in Homestead, Fla., and in Atlanta this year, then run a full schedule in 2002.

Johnson caught the eye of Gordon a few years ago during a test session at Darlington Raceway, when the three-time Winston Cup champion was surprised to see Johnson not shy away from rubbing the walls his first time out on NASCAR's most demanding track.

The two formed a friendship that eventually led Johnson to seek Gordon out for advice about his career. Gordon approached Hendrick about bringing Johnson aboard. The idea became a reality on Tuesday.

``Last year, when I had that talk with Jeff I thought what a great opportunity that would be, but will it come together?'' Johnson said. ``It has, and I couldn't be more excited. The fact that I get to drive for an organization like this and for someone like Jeff means so much to me.'' "