Jimmie Johnson extends Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR contract

Although ostensibly a free agent at the end of 2015, Johnson had long made clear his desire to spend the rest of his career with Hendrick.

The team has run him since his Cup debut in a part-time programme in 2001.

His main sponsor Lowe's - which has backed Johnson's car throughout his Cup career - has also committed for a further two years, while crew chief Chad Knaus is on board through 2018.

"My relationship with Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports means so much," said Johnson.

"It says a lot to have one sponsor and one team for this amount of time.

"I couldn't be prouder to represent everyone at Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports.

"This is my home, and I'm looking forward to many more victories together as a team."

Johnson has won 74 Cup races alongside his six titles, a success rate team owner Rick Hendrick admitted he would never have imagined.

"The contributions Jimmie and Chad have made to Hendrick Motorsports can't be overstated," he said.

"When Lowe's took a chance by sponsoring the #48 team back in 2001, we never could've envisioned the results.

"It's a championship combination and genuine partnership that we're proud to continue and committed to develop even further."

Johnson goes into the 2015 Chase as top seed, as he had a higher 'regular season' points tally than fellow four-time race winners Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch, although his last victory was back in May at Dover.

Hendrick also has Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr under ongoing contracts, while the retiring Jeff Gordon will be replaced by 2014 Nationwide Series champion Chase Elliott in '16.