Lowe's extends with Jimmie Johnson through 2015

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Lowe's Companies Inc. has extended its contract as primary sponsor of Jimmie Johnson through the 2015 NASCAR season.

The two-year extension was announced Wednesday to more than 1,700 store managers at the Lowe's national sales meeting. The partnership with Lowe's and Hendrick Motorsports began in 2001 when Johnson was hired to drive for the new No. 48 team.

Johnson has won a series-best 61 races since his 2002 rookie season and five Cup championships. He's never finished lower than sixth in the standings.

His win in Sunday's Daytona 500 came in his 400th career start. Johnson and Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon are the only two drivers to have the same primary sponsors for each of their first 400 Cup starts.