While many thought Jimmie Johnson had hung up his NASCAR helmet, it turns out he is back with a bang. Johnson earlier announced that he would be returning to NASCAR as a part-team owner and driver with Petty GMS. But with this news, and another thing Johnson spoke about, Alex Bowman’s future now hangs in the balance.

Recently a journalist noted, “Jimmie Johnson on what car number he’ll have at Petty GMS: “Still in the works. I think Rick wants to give me the 48.” #NASCAR”

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At the moment Alex Bowman fields the number 48 Ally car and is having a pretty decent run this season with Hendrick Motorsports. However, if Johnson is to be believed then the #48 could possibly go to him at Petty GMS. What would Bowman drive then?

Fans react to the news of Jimmie Johnson’s return

Fans were excited at reports suggesting Johnson’s return to driving the Petty GMS #48 car. They also suggested that Bowman should be given the number #25.

One fan mentioned that he was prepared to eat his very own sock after he was awestruck at the news of Johnson’s return for the Daytona 500 next year.

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Fans mentioned that it would be nice for Bowman to receive his very own number if Johnson was given the 45 next season. But regardless, this definitely is a massive blow for Alex Bowman, whose future car number remains in doubt. What number do you think Bowman should be replaced with? Let us know in the comments section.