LAT Images, Toyota Racing
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has tapped Matt Kenseth, the 2003 champion of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, as the organization’s newest competition advisor, the team announced officially on Tuesday.
In this role, Kenseth will provide guidance and strategy on the competition side of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, while serving as a mentor to drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, as well as providing assistance in the organization’s move to Toyota for 2024.
“Jimmie [Johnson] and I have so much respect for each other as both competitors and friends – we are alike in many ways and at similar points in our careers,” said Kenseth. “This is a great opportunity for me to be a resource for two extremely talented drivers and help on the racing operations side with this transition to Toyota. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”
Johnson and Maury Gallagher, co-owners of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, are optimistic about the alliance the organization has created with Kenseth, who went shot-for-shot with Johnson while battling for the 2013 NASCAR Cup Series championship.
“Not only is Matt an excellent driver and a fierce competitor, he’s also a great friend,” Johnson said. “This alliance makes so much sense. Matt is extremely smart, has worked with Toyota while racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, and is still as competitive as ever. He’s a natural-born athlete and as fit as I have ever seen him. I’m so glad he is willing to share his knowledge and experience with us, and we look forward to all Matt has to offer.”
After stepping away from full-time opportunities in the NASCAR Cup Series following his departure from Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018, Kenseth competed on a part-time basis for the next two seasons, driving for RFK Racing in 2019, and Chip Ganassi Racing in 2020.
Throughout his 20-year career, the Wisconsin native scored 39 NASCAR Cup Series victories, including wins in prestigious events such as the Daytona 500, Southern 500, and Coca-Cola 600. In addition to the victories, Kenseth picked up 182 top-five and 331 top-10 finishes in 697 starts, as well as 20 poles.
Kenseth’s addition to the Competition Roster at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will allow him to reunite with Joey Cohen, who he worked with at Roush Racing when Cohen was an engineer for the team. Now, Cohen is the Vice President of Racing Operations for LEGACY MC.
“Matt is going to help make this transition to Toyota smooth,” said Cohen. “He is one of the best drivers out there, and even though he is no longer behind the wheel, his perspective and advice will be crucial heading into next season for both our drivers and crews.”
The role within the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB operation will begin immediately, for Kenseth.
