All the emotions and all the talk come down to this Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway. While excitement for a Fall race at Phoenix is usually about the ‘Championship 4’ race, the emotions run higher this year. One of NASCAR’s greatest ever, Jimmie Johnson, will run his last race as a full-time NASCAR driver.

A lot of different tributes have been showered on Johnson in recent weeks and months. Many of his competitors recently spoke about Johnson’s contribution to the sport. Now, his teammates are set to give him one final tribute on Sunday at Phoenix.

Johnson’s fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers made special additions to their cars’ paint schemes at Phoenix. Johnson’s iconic No. 48 car always sported a yellow-colored 48.

Touching tribute for Jimmie Johnson from his teammates

Teammates Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and William Byron will also do something similar with their cars. Elliott’s No. 9, Byron’s 24, and Bowman’s 88 Chevrolet cars will each have their numbers in the same shape and color.

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Here are the tributes by the fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers:

Elliott runs at Martinsville as one of the championship contenders. Elliott won his way into Phoenix with a fantastic show in the final laps at Martinsville.

Byron is not in championship contention but qualified for the playoffs with a stunning win. The youngster won his maiden NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Byron’s Crew Chief Chad Knaus will also run his last NASCAR race as a Crew Chief. Knaus was Johnson’s Crew Chief for all of his seven NASCAR Cup titles. Knaus will move to a higher role at Hendrick Motorsports in 2021.

Bowman had his most successful season in the No. 88 car. He made the Round of 8 of the playoffs but fell short at Martinsville. However, Bowman will be more excited for 2021 than disappointed. He replaces Johnson in the No. 48 next season.

How will the Hendrick set-up look like in 2021?

Recently, Johnson welcomed Bowman as the new driver of the No. 48. Bowman has a big task ahead of him.

Kyle Larson takes Johnson’s place in the team. The returning star driver will drive the No. 5 car next year at the top outfit.

The Phoenix race will be highly emotional for Johnson and NASCAR fans. A win for Johnson will make his exit a lot sweeter.

The NASCAR great will try his hand in the IndyCar Series in 2021. He will still run the No. 48 car there, but with a different sponsor.

Read more – “Had a Charisma About Him” – Former Crew Chief of Jimmie Johnson Reflects on Their First Meeting