Team Lowe’s Honors Military, Lowe’s Employees With Patriotic Scheme
Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus, along with six Lowe’s employees with more than 30 years of military duty, unveiled the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS Johnson will run in the Memorial Day weekend Sprint Cup event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway today.
“We typically don’t have a lot of special paint schemes throughout the year,” said Johnson, who will be trying for this fourth win in the Memorial Day weekend race. “This event is usually an exception though. It means a lot to honor our country and all the people in the military. Both my grandfathers served so I understand the importance of showing our support.”
The car’s design carries the names of 12,548 Lowe’s employees who are military veterans or reservists. The names are showcased on the car’s hood and deck lid. The remaining paint scheme was inspired partly by Knaus who worked with Lowe’s to create the patriotic-themed car to help honor the military.
“For some reason those patriotic schemes we used to run back home have always stuck in my mind,” said Knaus. “They were special and meant something to us. Last year a serviceman approached me at Pocono and told me how much the paint schemes Lowe’s has during Memorial Day weekend meant to those that serve. So I really wanted to work with Lowe’s and the team to create an extra-special one this year.”
Knaus, who got his start in racing by working with his father’s team in Rockford, Ill., used images of the red, white and blue schemes his father drove to help develop the concept for the Memorial Day weekend car. (For images see media.lowesracing.com)
Lowe’s and the 48 team have a history of supporting the military and honoring the country over the years. In 2001, Johnson’s first Sprint Cup race came at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in the No. 48 Lowe’s car, which was specially painted to honor the country. (For images see media.lowesracing.com.) Johnson started 15th and finished 39th.
“Lowe’s began as its founders returned from serving their country in World War II, and for more than 60 years we have had a long tradition of hiring veterans and reservists to work on our team,” said Bob Gfeller, Lowe’s SVP of Marketing. “We are proud to celebrate their service to the USA with this very special one of a kind paint scheme of the Team Lowe’s 48 Impala and to honor all of our nation’s military this Memorial Day weekend.”
