It was a big morning for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Wednesday as seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson appeared on NBC’s TODAY show to make a very exciting announcement.
Following on from the news late last year that he has become part owner of Petty GMS, Johnson revealed that the team has been renamed and rebranded as Legacy Motor Club.
Maury Gallagher, team owner of Legacy Motor Club said:
Just over a year ago, I had the opportunity to acquire Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. “We made great strides throughout the 2022 season – winning the Southern 500 with Erik at Darlington and bringing Noah into the team for 2023. With the addition of Jimmie in an ownership role, we knew change was inevitable with his experience and knowledge. Our goal is to win races, win championships and to represent our partners by performing at the highest level. The new image of LEGACY M.C. is something that will allow us to stand out and foster a team environment that breeds success.”
The team will field two full-time entries in 2023 with rookie Noah Gragson in the No.42 and Erik Jones in the No.43.
Jimmie Johnson commented saying:
After brainstorming about the new name of our team, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different. We felt it was important to have a name (LEGACY) that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past. LEGACY M.C. will be an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast. I am excited to be a part of a story so rich in heritage and look forward to creating a new legacy in this sport outside of the racecar.
Johnson and Gallgher were joined at the event by team ambassador Richard Petty who commented saying:
As we were all talking about creating a new name for the team, we looked at Jimmie, myself, and Dale Inman – that’s 22 championships – so there couldn’t be a better name to fit our race team than LEGACY. The “Motor Club” is a perfect fit because we want our fans to pull for the whole team.
“When I see the No. 42 & 43 cars, no matter who the driver was, is currently, or could be in the future, I want our fans to remember the Petty history that comes with them, and that history will continue to be made with LEGACY M.C.
Johnson who makes his eagerly anticipated return to the NASCAR Cup Series also announced that he will race the No.84 Chevrolet starting with the Daytona 500 on February 19.
I’m looking forward to a new era in the No. 84 Chevrolet with LEGACY M.C. and getting a shot to drive the new Next Gen car this season,”
Johnson will announce further details of his race schedule for 2023 at a later date.