Tag: Jimmie Johnson

Johnson looking to expand Legacy Motor Club’s footprint beyond NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club began its next chapter on Monday when Jimmie Johnson was introduced as its majority owner and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC a new investor and minority owner. The partnership aims to expand the reach and brand of Legacy Motor …

Legacy Motor Club began its next chapter on Monday when Jimmie Johnson was introduced as its majority owner and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC a new investor and minority owner.

The partnership aims to expand the reach and brand of Legacy Motor Club beyond NASCAR; a message Johnson sent in the days before the announcement while appearing on the NBC Sports broadcast of the Rolex 24. The possibilities seem endless, even without a stated interest in a particular series or event just yet.

But Johnson feels the company has a better ability to plan for the future and be ready for the changing landscape even within NASCAR due to having Knighthead Capital in the fold.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1428]

“Our focus is NASCAR,” Johnson said. “That is the crown jewel, our nucleus, of everything we want to be. But I do feel there are other opportunities for expansion within motorsports, throughout NASCAR, in other divisions.”

Johnson won seven championships as a Cup Series driver with Hendrick Motorsports. In recent years he has also competed in the NTT IndyCar Series and sports cars.

Legacy Motor Club fields two full-time entries for Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek with Toyota support. The manufacturer competes in a variety of racing disciplines across the country and globe, which Johnson is well aware of.

“But something I’m really passionate about is trying to build a brand and building a brand based on winning races and championships and doing that in the Cup Series,” Johnson continued. “That would then help put a team name out there and build a brand out of a team name and what’s behind it, and obviously we’ve been very intentional with Legacy. And as we continue to move forward, that affords us a lot of really unique opportunities to grow a club and build real fandom around a race team in addition to what auto enthusiasts like to do.”

Knighthead Capital executives, including Tom Wagner, the co-founder, were present for Monday’s season kickoff event where the team was informed of the internal changes. Included in Knighthead Capital’s investment portfolio are HERTZ, JOTA Racing, Singer Vehicle Design, Revology Cars, and Birmingham Football Club.

Singer Vehicle Design and Revology Cars are not focused on racing, restoration and reproduction. That’s something worth noting as Legacy Motor Club plots its future with a partner that has experience in other areas. And Johnson is already looking for where Legacy Motor Club can have a presence that goes beyond racing competition.

“There are just so many opportunities out there in the auto space,” Johnson said. “You have motorsports, but then you have all these experiential opportunities that are popping up and these tracks all around the country where enthusiasts are able to go out and run around in fun cars. Historic racing continues to just thrive. I’ve had a fair amount of experience doing that lately.

“So, there are many layers to the car space, and that’s what I want Legacy Motor Club to evolve into over time.”

‘Johnson 2.0’ ready to take next steps as an owner

Jimmie Johnson feels like he’s the new guy again in NASCAR as the next chapter of his career begins as the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club. “Right or wrong, I feel like I’m starting all over again and have my rookie stripe on,” Johnson tells …

Jimmie Johnson feels like he’s the new guy again in NASCAR as the next chapter of his career begins as the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club.

“Right or wrong, I feel like I’m starting all over again and have my rookie stripe on,” Johnson tells RACER. “The 1.0 of Jimmie was a driver, and I earned the right to have some swagger and confidence in how I walked through the garage, and I find myself starting all over again. It feels like 2002; I’m the new guy. I have the yellow stripe on my back.”

The seven-time Cup Series champion becomes the organization’s majority owner as Maury Gallagher, its founder, steps away from the day-to-day operations. Gallagher will serve as a team ambassador with Richard Petty. As he does, Knighthead Capital Management, LLC, has acquired a minority stake in the three-car team.

Johnson joined Gallagher as an owner in 2023, three years after the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver retired from full-time competition after spending the entirety of his career with Hendrick Motorsports. Johnson competed in the NTT IndyCar Series and WeatherTech Sportscar Championship in the following two seasons, 2021 and ’22.

However, at the end of 2022, Johnson reemerged in NASCAR by joining forces with Gallagher on the ownership side of the business and the team was rebranded from Petty GMS Motorsports to Legacy Motor Club.

Johnson first teamed up with Maury Gallagher at the end of 2022. Nigel Kinrade/Motorsport Images

“I really liked the idea of a longer runway to learn, and so with a shorter runway (now), there’s stress that comes with that,” Johnson says. “But I love a good challenge. This is an industry that I know and love. I have great confidence in where our sport is going.

“In the two years and the partnerships that we’ve built with Dollar Tree, Toyota, AdventHealth, there is a lot of security that I have for the next window of time because our contracts are all long-term.

“And then honestly, Maury’s commitment these last two years, and I know it’s been hard to see with the performance on track, and last year switching manufacture was just way more of a challenge than we could have ever thought. But his commitment, more specifically last year and the changes we had to make, the capital investment put into it, he has set us up, and we really look forward to showing that in the ’25 season.

“But he has set us up for a very successful future, and knowing these elements behind the scenes gives me more confidence and brings the excitement that now I get a chance to lead the company.”

The succession of Johnson is not a recent development. He and Gallagher always had an understanding of the company’s long-term future and Johnson, knowing that, has kept a close eye on the private equity world. Over time that has included meeting and introducing himself to individuals in that space.

It all came together, however, quicker than anticipated.

“I wanted to make sure that whoever our strategic partner or partners would be that it would be more than shaking hands in a meeting room,” Johnson says. “I’m a relational guy and have had more success that way. So, I got off to an early start in socializing and meeting folks and on that journey, while being and living in London, I met Tom Wagner through friends in a social environment and really got to know Tom, the other founders of (Knighthead), the partners.

“And our social circle was interconnected, and through a series of social events and sharing what I had going on in life, they expressed interest, and we got into deeper conversations. More specifically after Maury spoke to me, I guess, midfall. He threw out the idea and asked if I would be ready to move forward and speed this up where he would pull back some and be more of an ambassador for the club than the one steering it.”

The future for Legacy Motor Club and its new partners from Knighthead Capital includes looking into opportunities for expansion within motorsport. It will include NASCAR as Johnson acknowledged the focus remains on stock car racing as the organization should be better positioned going forward to be ready for the changing landscape within the sport.

Johnson could lead Legacy Motor Club into other categories – something its already had a taste of with a brief foray in Extreme E last year. Andrew Ferraro/Motorsport Images

Even more so, Johnson expressed his passion for trying to build a brand. A brand based on winning races and championships in the Cup Series.

“There are many layers to the car space,” Johnson says. “That is what I want Legacy Motor Club to evolve into over time.”

In the immediate future, Johnson believes the team can put a car in the postseason this season. Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek are the two full-time drivers for Legacy Motor Club, and while Johnson would love to see both become championship-eligible, having at least one car in the postseason is the highest priority.

Should that become a reality, it would help deliver the results Johnson wants for Gallagher.

“He has been a great mentor and friend,” Johnson says. “His generosity and kindness not only to me but all of his employees – he’s a family guy and walks that tightrope of being a brilliant businessman but also that family component and family feel. I feel very fortunate throughout my career to have been able to work for people who truly do care for their employees and love to provide and give opportunities.

“I’m very thankful for the experience and mentorship and knowing he’s not going anywhere. The roles have changed. But at the end of the day, I want to win races for him. He’s the kind that I want to win these for and just put a huge smile on his face.”

Johnson becomes majority owner of Legacy Motor Club

RACER has confirmed that Legacy Motor Club is preparing to announce a partnership with Knighthead Capital that includes Jimmie Johnson becoming the team’s majority owner. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion takes the reins as Knighthead …

RACER has confirmed that Legacy Motor Club is preparing to announce a partnership with Knighthead Capital that includes Jimmie Johnson becoming the team’s majority owner.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion takes the reins as Knighthead Capital Management, LLC’s aquires a minority stake in the three-car operation. Maury Gallagher, who founded the team in 2022, is stepping back from its day-to-day operations and will be a team ambassador. Richard Petty also remains a team ambassador.

Knighthead Capital is a New York-based investment advisor founded in 2008. The company has a wide-ranging portfolio with its co-founder, Thomas Wagner. Among its other sports involvement are JOTA Racing in endurance racing and Birmingham City Football Club. And it is no stranger to cars through investments in HERTZ, Singer Vehicle Design, and Revology Cars.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1428]

Legacy Motor Club is expected to explore other racing platforms in its partnership with Knighthead Capital.

Legacy Motor Club fields the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota entries for John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones. Johnson runs the third car, the No. 84 Toyota, on a limited basis.

Legacy Motor Club was formerly Petty GMS Motorsports when it debuted in the Cup Series in 2022, when Gallagher bought the majority stake in Richard Petty’s organization. The team was renamed before the 2023 season, with Johnson joining the ownership group and Petty becoming a team ambassador.

Gallagher is an entrepreneur from Las Vegas who founded Allegiant Travel Company. After initially being involved in the ARCA Menards Series, Gallagher began fielding NASCAR entries in 2013 in the Craftsman Truck Series with his son, Spencer.

GMS Racing won the series championship in 2016 with Johnny Sauter and again in 2020 with Sheldon Creed. The program was shuttered after the 2023 season with two championships and 45 victories.

GMS Racing also competed in the Xfinity Series with numerous drivers. Gallagher earned one win as a team owner (in 116 starts) before the program was shuttered in 2019.

The Cup Series team has one win in three seasons. Jones won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in 2022 while the team was still under the Petty GMS banner. Legacy Motor Club joined the Toyota team in 2024; Jones finished 28th in the championship standings, and Nemechek finished 34th.

Johnson slated for only two Cup Series races this season

Jimmie Johnson will have a smaller NASCAR Cup Series schedule this season as he plans to compete in two of the sport’s biggest races. Johnson will return to competition by attempting the season-opening Daytona 500 (Feb. 16) in the No. 84 Toyota for …

Jimmie Johnson will have a smaller NASCAR Cup Series schedule this season as he plans to compete in two of the sport’s biggest races.

Johnson will return to competition by attempting the season-opening Daytona 500 (Feb. 16) in the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, the team he co-owns. The second race will be the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 25). Carvana will be Johnson’s sponsor.

“I’m so proud of the relationship we have built with Carvana,” Johnson said. “They have always been supportive of my dreams and always find innovative ways to connect with fans. As my days behind the wheel of a race car continue to wind down, the partnership with Carvana continues to celebrate my career and it’s such an honor.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1428]

The seven-time Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame member is a two-time winner of the Daytona 500. Johnson triumphed in the event in 2006, the same year he won his first championship, and in 2013. If he were to qualify for this year’s event, it would be Johnson’s 22nd start in the Daytona 500.

As for the longest race of the year, the Coca-Cola 600, Johnson has won it four times. When he takes the green flag in this year’s race, it will be his 700th start in the Cup Series.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to competition in 2025,” Johnson said. “These two races hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve always loved the energy and excitement that surrounds them. The Daytona 500 is a crown jewel of NASCAR — there’s nothing like it. Charlotte Motor Speedway is where I made my first start in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it’s always felt like ‘home’ to me.”

The 2025 season will be the fifth that Johnson and Carvana have worked together. The company initially joined forces with Johnson when he made a foray into the NTT IndyCar Series in 2021. Johnson’s paint schemes will be unveiled at a later date.

“We’re incredibly excited to support Jimmie and Legacy Motor Club for a third season,” said Ryan Keeton, Carvana’s co-founder and Chief Brand Officer. “Jimmie’s legacy in NASCAR is unparalleled, and our team is committed to creating a special livery that measures up to his 700th start milestone. Stay tuned for what we have in store.”

 

Jimmie Johnson returns for final race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season

Jimmie Johnson returns for the final race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Will Johnson return as a NASCAR driver in 2025?

[autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] will return for the final race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season at Phoenix Raceway. Johnson will drive the No. 84 car for Legacy Motor Club with Carvana as the sponsor in what will be his final race of 2024. The seven-time Cup Series champion will end the year with nine starts in NASCAR’s top level.

Legacy Motor Club hasn’t been as competitive as expected since moving to Toyota, but there should be a step forward in 2025. As for Johnson in 2024, he has a best finish of 28th place three times at Daytona International Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. However, the driver of the No. 84 car will look to change that at Phoenix.

This won’t be the last time Johnson races in NASCAR, so this won’t be a finality. Johnson doesn’t know how many races he will compete in NASCAR when the 2025 season comes around the corner, but he expects to be on the race track. It hasn’t been a great season of racing for Johnson, but he hopes to end 2024 on a high note in Arizona.

[lawrence-related id=19274,19271,19278]

Jimmie Johnson reveals if he will compete in NASCAR during 2025 season

Jimmie Johnson reveals if he will race in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 2025 season. Find out what Johnson said about 2025!

[autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] competed in his second-to-last race of the 2024 NASCAR season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and it went relatively smoothly. Johnson finished in 28th place; however, he didn’t have any notable incidents throughout the event. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s last race will come at Phoenix Raceway; however, will he return in 2025?

Fronstretch’s Dalton Hopkins asked Johnson if he has any plans for the 2025 NASCAR season after Las Vegas. For Johnson fans, his response was good news.

“I’ve thought about it,” Johnson said. “We’re just trying to make sure that it’s not costing the team anything and it’s not hurting the No. 42 and No. 43. We don’t have it put together yet, but I’ll be out there a few times, at least.”

In the results column, Johnson hasn’t had an excellent season, but he is progressing. The Legacy Motor Club co-owner and driver has a best finish of 28th place three times in eight races but has run better than in 2024. Johnson may not be a race-winning driver in NASCAR anymore, but it’s still great to see him compete at the highest level.

[lawrence-related id=11944]

Which NASCAR driver has the most wins at Las Vegas?

Which NASCAR driver has the most wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway? Check out who tops the list at Vegas!

NASCAR doesn’t have a very long history with Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but it has produced great moments dating back to the 1998 season. Since that point, the NASCAR Cup Series has competed in 33 races. However, which NASCAR driver has the most wins at Las Vegas? The answer won’t surprise you due to their previous success in the sport.

[autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] has four victories at Las Vegas, which makes him the most successful driver at the track in NASCAR history. Johnson is the only driver to have more than three Cup Series victories at the venue, as Matt Kenseth and others carry three wins to their names. Johnson’s last win at Las Vegas came in 2010 and included an insane three straight from 2005 to 2007.

As for the active NASCAR driver with the most wins at Las Vegas, Larson, Joey Logano, and Brad Keselowski hold the lead with three victories. The next closest driver is Martin Truex Jr., with two wins, so the threat of a new driver joining this list has never been more strong. However, with Larson’s victory in early 2024, the list could change even more.

[lawrence-related id=18286]

Legacy Motor Club releases several members from Jimmie Johnson’s team

Legacy Motor Club has released several members from Jimmie Johnson’s No. 84 team. Find out who has been released in 2024!

[autotag]Legacy Motor Club[/autotag]’s first season with Toyota has slowly improved despite a rough stance in the point standings. Erik Jones sits 27th, while John Hunter Nemechek ranks 31st with four races left in the regular season. [autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] has also run a third car for the NASCAR team; however, the No. 84 team was surprised by key departures.

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Legacy Motor Club released members for the No. 84 team during the Olympic break, including crew chief Jason Burdett. This is a surprising decision as Johnson has three races left in 2024 at Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway. Johnson will still run those three races this season.

The 2025 NASCAR season is more uncertain, but if Johnson wants to race in a third car, it would be reasonable to suggest that it will occur. As for the rest of 2024, Johnson’s crew chief is to be determined, along with the rest of the positions that need to be filled. Legacy Motor Club has given no reason for these moves, but it must adjust to provide Johnson with a team for 2024.

[lawrence-related id=15566]

Jimmie Johnson’s next NASCAR Cup Series race during the 2024 season

When is Jimmie Johnson’s next NASCAR Cup Series race in 2024? Check out when Johnson will be back behind the wheel of the No. 84 car!

[autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] finished his sixth NASCAR Cup Series race of the 2024 season, and it might have been his best yet. Despite being involved in a wreck, not of his doing, Johnson displayed solid speed out of his No. 84 car as he neared the top 10 spots in the 2024 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, when is the seven-time Cup Series champion’s next event?

Johnson’s next Cup Series race will be at Kansas Speedway on September 29, meaning that he will not return until the 2024 NASCAR playoffs. Johnson finished in 38th place during his first race at Kansas earlier in the season but was involved in an accident with Corey LaLoie. The Legacy Motor Club co-owner will look to improve upon a shortened day in September.

After Kansas, Johnson will have two more Cup Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20 and Phoenix Raceway on November 10. It has been great to see Johnson behind the wheel again, as he only has three races left on his schedule. Hopefully, Johnson will return for even more in 2025 if he feels like the NextGen car is slowly growing on him.

[lawrence-related id=15491]

Jimmie Johnson discusses his big wreck at the 2024 Brickyard 400

Jimmie Johnson discusses his big wreck at the 2024 Brickyard 400. Find out what Johnson said about his day at Indianapolis!

[autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] had a good day of racing alongside Legacy Motor Club; however, it was cut short near the end of the 2024 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Johnson was near the front in the Final Stage and got turned into the wall alongside Joey Logano. Instead of a good finish, Johnson was forced into a 33rd-place finish.

Following the accident, Johnson spoke about his wreck and the progress that he and Legacy Motor Club are making with the NextGen car. There are reasons to be optimistic moving forward.

“I was cruising along on the bottom and got hit in the right rear and got turned into the outside fence at that point,” Johnson said. “Those restarts are just so aggressive, everybody is pushing to get to the end of the race, and it is go time. Sadly, those pushes didn’t line up right. I don’t know what started that, but something on the outside happened, and they collected me, and off and around we went.”

“It was great to be back. Our cars were driving nice all weekend. Unfortunately, in qualifying, we just missed our balance, but very competitive in the race. We drove from 33rd to 17th, and then actually got to 11th there. All-in-all, a strong Carvana Camry, and it felt nice behind the wheel. I’m starting to understand the Next Gen vehicle. I think our group is starting to understand what we need for the cars.”

Johnson has yet to finish in the top 20 spots since returning to NASCAR, but there is progress as the No. 84 Toyota has shown better speed lately. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion may not be expected to win races, but he can certainly run in the top 15 spots. Johnson’s next race might be even better, as more time in the NextGen car is excellent for him.

[lawrence-related id=11944]