Lowe's join forces with Hendrick/Johnson.

Hendrick Motorsports have confirmed that Lowe's Home Improvement's will join their expanding four car outfit in 2002 with rookie driver Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel of the No.48 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse announced Tuesday a multi-year primary sponsorship with Hendrick Motorsports for the new No.48 Monte Carlo team to be driven by Jimmie Johnson in the Winston Cup 2002 season. In addition, Lowe's will be an associate sponsor on the No.24 Monte Carlo driven by Jeff Gordon, who will be Johnson's new teammate.

The new Lowe's No. 48 will give fans a sneak preview on October 7th when it makes its racing debut at Lowe's Motor Speedway, followed by runs at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 11th and Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 18th. The car will run a full schedule in 2002.

"We have teamed with Jimmie, Jeff and Hendrick Motorsports to put together the total package," said Bob Tillman, Lowe's Chairman and CEO. "Rick Hendrick's record in NASCAR racing speaks for itself. To have the opportunity to put a strong, young driver like Jimmie Johnson together with a legendary teammate like Jeff Gordon is unparalleled in motor sports. There is no question that this deal brings a lot of excitement to the Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse racing program."

The Lowe's sponsorship is the final piece of a program that began earlier this year when Hendrick signed Johnson to drive for the team in 2002. The No. 48 Lowe's Monte Carlo will be co-owned by Hendrick and Gordon, a three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion.

"Adding a sponsor like Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse is key to the success of any race team," Hendrick said. "With its strong history in the sport -- sponsoring races, race teams and race venues - we are confident that we have partnered with a company that is as committed to success in NASCAR as we are."

Johnson, a veteran of off-road racing and a relative newcomer to the world of stock cars, knows a lot will be expected of him.

"When a deal like this comes together for a driver, the media and many of the fans are going to expect us to win races right away," Johnson said. "But they can't put any more pressure on me than I put on myself. With a teammate like Jeff and a sponsor like Lowe's, I think I have a special opportunity to be successful in Winston Cup racing."

Gordon is confident in his new teammate.

"Hendrick Motorsports has had their eye on Jimmie for some time," Gordon said. "Racing with him for a few races in the NASCAR Busch Series only confirmed what we already believed about his abilities on the track. Off the track, he has always handled himself well and I know he appreciates the opportunity he is getting with a sponsor like Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse."

With 2000 sales of $18.8 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is the world's second largest home improvement retailer. Headquartered in Wilkesboro, N.C., Lowe's is the 14th largest retailer in the U.S. as well as the 34th largest retailer worldwide. Lowe's and its 100,000 employees are Improving Home Improvement for nearly five million do-it-yourself retail and commercial business customers each week at more than 700 stores in 40 states.

Johnson will join Gordon, two-time Winston Cup Champion Terry Labonte and Jerry Nadeau in the Hendrick Motorsports Winston Cup stable.