$200,000 Worth Piece of NASCAR History, That Put Jimmie Johnson on the Same List as Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, to Go Under the Hammer

Some aspects of a NASCAR driver’s career remain so intrinsically connected to fans’ memories of them, it is next to impossible for them to dissociate the two. Dale Earnhardt and the #3 car is the first example that comes to mind. But Jimmie Johnson and the #48 car aren’t too far behind either.

During his years in the competition, he won 7 titles—including 5 consecutive ones between 2006 and 2010. A piece of that championship-winning history will now be put under the hammer, as per reports from Motor Authority. The 2007 Chevy Impala SS with chassis number 48-461 is going to be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s in Phoenix. As per the details given out, the car being auctioned was driven by Johnson seven times between 2007 and 2009. Those seven races also included his wins at Martinsville and Phoenix in the 2007 season.

Presented for bidding with the same livery as from the Phoenix race of 2007, the car is expected to command bids upwards of $150,000. Some estimates believe it could be bought for as high as $200,000. If that price point is reached, it could beat Jeff Gordon‘s 2011 car which went for $165,000 when it was put up for bidding in 2022.

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2007 was a big season for Johnson. Apart from winning the title, he also joined the ranks of Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and Gordon as he won 10 races.

Jimmie Johnson will (hope to) rewrite history

Johnson raced the #48 for all of his 20 seasons at Hendrick Motorsports. That’s the legacy he had set during his previous stint in NASCAR. But it’s time for a fresh start, and he knows that.

Earlier this month, Johnson announced the rebranding of the Petty GMS team. While there were a few moans from fans, Johnson and Richard Petty were clear—it was a move that the team needed.

Johnson told NBCSports, “After brainstorming about the new name of our team, (co-owner Maury Gallagher) and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different. We felt it was important to have a name (Legacy) that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past.”

And it’s not just the team that is being rebranded, but so is Johnson’s legacy. The 7-time Champion has for long been only attached to the #48. But with that no longer an option, he will be racing the #84.

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There are multiple theories behind the choice of the number. One is that it’s the mirror image of the #48, and the other is Johnson’s impending 84th win. Either way, it’s a chance for a fresh start.