As seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson joins the ownership group of Petty GMS, the two-car organization will undergo a major rebrand entering the 2023 season, becoming LEGACY Motor Club.
Johnson announced the organization’s rebranding on Wednesday’s iteration of NBC’s TODAY Show.
RELATED VIDEO: Taylor Kitchen breaks down the LEGACY Motor Club and Jimmie Johnson’s new car number news in under a minute
Legacy Motor Club will field two full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023, with Noah Gragson piloting the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro and Erik Jones piloting the famous No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro.
“Just over a year ago, I had the opportunity to acquire Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Gallagher. “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 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.”
As previously announced, Jimmie Johnson will compete in select NASCAR Cup Series events in 2023, including the Daytona 500, after leaving the series for a stint in the NTT IndyCar Series after 2020. Johnson will pilot the No. 84 Chevrolet Camaro.
“After brainstorming about the new name of our team, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different,” said Johnson. 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 automobile racing enthusiasts. 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.”
The name LEGACY Motor Club is a nod to the three members of the organization’s ownership group – Richard Petty, Maury Gallagher, and Jimmie Johnson – who have each built their own legacy in NASCAR’s National Series over the years.
“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.” remarked Petty “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.”
Quite possibly the biggest question within the acquisition of ownership for Johnson was what car number he would use – seeing as his long-time No. 48 has already been claimed by Hendrick Motorsports, his old organization.
Johnson will use a reverse of his original number – No. 84 – in his select NASCAR Cup Series events. On the TODAY Show, Johnson confirmed to viewers that Carvana will sponsor his effort in the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway.
The El Cajon, California native will have to qualify his way into the 2023 Daytona 500, as a result of the No. 84 team not having a charter, leaving them to battle for one of the four remaining spots in the field.
