CONCORD, N.C. -

Ally Financial is going to remain in the auto racing business for at least three more years.

Less than 12 months after it first raced into NASCAR, Ally Financial on Friday extended its full-season primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team for three more years through the 2023 season.

Officials highlighted the agreement all but guarantees that seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will finish his legendary full-time NASCAR career with Ally as his primary sponsor. Johnson, who is signed with Hendrick Motorsports through 2020, will announce his future plans at a later date.

On Oct. 28 of last year, it was announced that Ally would become the sole primary sponsor of Johnson and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team in 2019 and 2020. This season, the company has executed numerous marketing campaigns around the program. Ally believes the bold design of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which was revealed on “Good Morning America” in January, has quickly made it one of the most recognizable cars in NASCAR.

“Our first year with Jimmie and the team at Hendrick Motorsports has been phenomenal,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s chief marketing and public relations officer. “Jimmie’s the ultimate competitor, and Ally is proud to support him and the rest of the No. 48 team. We are thrilled to extend our contract and build on the incredible momentum we’ve established.

“This sponsorship goes way beyond just putting our logo on the car. It’s built on our shared values for doing right in the communities we race in, while growing our brand with passionate, new audiences. We look forward to many more exciting laps together,” Brimmer went on to say in a news release.

Ally is one of the largest auto financing companies in the United States with extensive experience in the auto industry.

“Ally’s values are our values,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports. “Working with integrity, being accountable to one another, and leading in both the workplace and in our communities are all core beliefs that we share. This is a tremendous relationship on many levels, and to see it have success and grow so quickly is truly meaningful. Jimmie sets the standard and is a wonderful representative for Ally. Today is a great day for all of us.”

Johnson is one of the greatest champions in sports. His record-tying seven Cup titles, which include five straight from 2006-2010, are equaled only by NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

In 2009, Johnson became the first race car driver to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. The El Cajon, Calif., native has earned 83 points-paying race wins and led nearly 19,000 career laps.

“The energy Ally has brought to the No. 48 team, Hendrick Motorsports and the sport of NASCAR is contagious,” Johnson said. “They have embraced our fans, activated their program in unique ways and supported me at every turn, from racing my No. 48 car every week to running the Boston Marathon. It’s a true bond — not just a business transaction. We care about each other’s success. I’m proud to be associated with Ally and can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”