Names like Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty make any NASCAR fan’s ears perk up. Why? They are two of the three drivers to ever hold the title of 7x Cup Series Champion. Beyond being two of the most skilled drivers to ever grace the track, they are also two of the most adored drivers likely due to their relatability, humility and kindness. Beginning in 2023, the two came together, along with other notable key people, to propel a team who first formed in 2000 under a different name to become a top contending team in today’s competition – a goal they continue to push towards today. 

The team has had a few different name changes in its time. What began as Evernham Motorsports eventually became Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009, then Petty GMS in 2021. In 2023, the team rebranded as LEGACY MOTOR CLUB after Jimmie Johnson became co-owner, alongside Maury Gallagher, with Richard Petty “The King” as CLUB ambassador. Other key figures in NASCAR make up LEGACY MC, such as Petty’s longtime crew chief and fellow Hall of Famer, Dale Inman, Hall of Famer Matt Kenseth and youngest to ever win the Daytona 500, Trevor Bayne. A team with so many heavy hitting names within the sport is now in its third year of racing in the NASCAR Cup Series since becoming LEGACY MC, and they’re just getting started. As a now majority owner and part-time driver of the number 84 car, Jimmie Johnson says, “Building a legacy takes time.”

Johnson provided some insight to help fans get to know the CLUB a bit more. He shares, “The mission of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is to become a premier global motorsports property bringing together the past and the future and be an inclusive CLUB for car enthusiasts everywhere.” Though Johnson is highly recognized within the NASCAR community, he doesn’t let that go to his head or skew the mission of the CLUB. He said, “I came from humble beginnings, and I think it’s just about staying true to yourself and being humble and kind. That’s kind of how I operate. I never expected to be so successful in this sport, and I am thankful to everyone who helped me accomplish that success.” This year is the CLUB’s third year competing at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition and the expectation is clear as Johnson shares, “We are here to compete and win races, so performance is the focus. We have the team to do it with Erik and John Hunter. Our commitment to competition and to accomplishing the goals of our partners is what we always focus on.”

Erik Jones is in his fifth year behind the wheel of the iconic number 43 car, the third year under LEGACY MC. Jones is grateful for the resources available to his team at LEGACY MC such as Driver Optimization Leader Trevor Bayne and Competition Advisor Matt Kenseth. That, paired with the history of a winning pedigree, Jones said, “Everyone there provides good insight and everyone has their own way to prepare.” Jones, in his ninth season racing in the Cup series, remarks he “has been at this for quite a while, so you take what you can and add in what works for you best.” adding, “it’s nice to balance ideas around and say what you’re needing from the team side of things and from a driver’s point of view.” Jones signed a multiyear contract with LEGACY MC at the end of the 2024 season and is glad to be able to continue in that relationship saying, “My main goal is to get the 43 car to the top 10 and take advantage of the races where we can compete for a win.” He said further, “I’m in the prime of my career for the next five to eight years, and I’m glad to be in a position to take advantage of that time with the equipment and resources, really looking to hit our stride this year.” Jones is the only driver in the history of NASCAR to have received Rookie of the Year honors in all three national divisions. He also earned LEGACY MC its first top five finish when he came in third place in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in September of 2023.

John Hunter Nemechek’s first full season racing in the Cup series was in 2020. After that season, Nemechek decided to put in more work behind the wheel in the Truck and Xfinity series for a few years with loads of success before transitioning back to racing full time in the Cup series as the driver of LEGACY MC’s number 42 Toyota Camry in 2024. Now, back in the saddle for his second year driving the 42, he shared, “I have to be on my A game at all times; no room for error or mistakes. Last year was a test; not the year we wanted, but I’m looking forward to 2025 and getting back into victory lane.” With the end of season hire last year of veteran Technical Director Brian Campe, Nemechek says, “He is a wealth of knowledge and brings a lot to the table.” Acknowledging how the off-season was a lot of hard work and changes for them, he went on to say of Campe, “He is a person who brings a different energy and mindset to the team, and he definitely isn’t afraid to push forward to get things done.” LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and promising future, with a lot riding on the shoulders of both Jones and Nemechek to continue the legacy and maybe even add a little something of their own to it. The significance of being in such a position, Nemechek says, is “great to be a part of,” continuing, “we all are striving for success, and continuing to build on the legacy is definitely about what you do on the racetrack in driving and winning; but also, the impact and mark you leave behind on everyone who supports you is even bigger to me than what you do in your career.” 

Culture plays a huge part in the success of any business as it directly affects employees and partners. The CLUB understands the importance of a positive work culture as Johnson said, “There are a lot of ways to build a great culture, but having the right leaders to lead is one of the keys, and we have that. Then, putting the people in the right places who are talented and skilled, then everyone caring about the same goals and each other is how to build a culture that works.” Jones and Nemechek echo the sentiment Johnson shares with Jones saying, “Our goal is to be a competitive team, doing well each week and being top contenders.” Nemechek adds, “The culture at the CLUB is really good. Everyone is aligned in that we are one team with one goal. We work together and push each other to excel and strive for success.”

This is just the start for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, but the history runs deep. Nemechek shared a little bit of what it feels like to be a part of the CLUB, working and being in relationship with so many legacy names. For instance, what’s it do to a room when Richard Petty walks in? Nemechek was quick to share, “The energy definitely changes when The King is in the room. He’s a fun guy to be around with lots of stories and advice which is one of my favorite things about him…just to hear his background and what they did back then.” As for what it’s like to receive a piece of advice from Johnson? Nemechek shared, “It’s really neat to be honest. Being able to work with Jimmie as my boss, mentor, friend and advisor – he definitely fits into all those different roles. There’s a lot to chat about, and there’s a reason he’s won seven championships and 83 races in the Cup series. He doesn’t like to lose, and he will continue to push forward no matter the circumstances, so I look forward to continuing that.” 

The legacy of the CLUB is so vital to the mission and the identity of the organization that it became their team name. Johnson believes, “A legacy is more than what you leave behind but something you build everyday.” He goes on to share, “I think everyone coming into work every day and having high expectations as well as a high level of accountability for themselves is important. When everyone is working together and rowing the same direction, you start to see success.” It’s evident the talent, drive and passion those at the CLUB possess as they all work towards the common goal. So, where does Johnson see LEGACY MOTOR CLUB seven years from now? Simple. He says, “Winning races and championships. Expansion beyond racing. Big plans!”