Johnson to drive in three Nationwide races in 2008

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports have announced that two-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 5 Lowe's Chevrolet in three Nationwide Series races in 2008.

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Johnson will one agaion race at both Lowe's Motor Speedway events, on May 24 and Oct.10, plus at California Speedway on Aug. 30. He has driven in these three races in 2006 and 2007.

Johnson said the Nationwide races are part work and part play.

"I always love running the Nationwide car," said Johnson, whose No. 5 Chevrolet will be fielded by JR Motorsports in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports.

"We have raced in this series a few times over the last few years and performed pretty well. It's a fun series to drive in. I want to have fun, but I would like to get a few more victories there. I have one from 2001, but I would like a lot more."

Johnson has made 87 starts in NASCAR's junior series winning the Chicagoland Speedway race in 2001.

Lowe's officials said sponsorship of Johnson's Nationwide Series effort is a way for Lowe's to give back to Johnson's fans and its employees.

"We are very pleased to sponsor Jimmie in this series again in 2008," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's senior vice president of marketing and advertising. "Our customers, employees and race fans love to see the two-time NASCAR champion on the track on Saturday as well as Sunday."