Cal Wells III, a former NASCAR Cup Series team owner, has been named the Chief Executive Officer of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, the team officially announced via a press release on Wednesday.
The newly-assigned position will take effect immediately for Wells, who has been serving as a consultant for the organization as of late.
In 1979, Wells began his professional career by founding Precision Preparation, Inc. Three years later, the now 68-year-old businessman began his relationship with car manufacturer Toyota.
Over the next quarter-century, PPI dominated the off-road circuit, fielding multiple entries in open-wheel racing, and scored a pair of victories at the highest level of racing, the NASCAR Cup Series with Ricky Craven.
After the closure of PPI, Wells led a successful restructuring of Michael Waltrip Racing as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President, positions he remained in until 2011, when he decided to branch off to found LNGA Consulting.
“I am truly honored and excited to be part of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB,” said 68-year-old Wells. “Together, we will build on the strong foundation and accomplishments of the past, while driving forward with renewed focus and collaboration. The future performance of all facets of this club will be something we will all be proud of for years to come. It’s going to be something special.”
Maury Gallagher, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, has proven to have an eye for talent, tapping both Erik Jones and Noah Gragson, accomplished drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, to pilot the team’s two full-time entries.
Gallagher has also earned the title of being a successful entrepreneur, currently serving as the Chairman of Allegiant Travel Company and the Chair of 2024 Super Bowl LVIII Committee.
Earlier this year, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced that the two-car NASCAR Cup Series team would be switching from Chevrolet to Toyota beginning in 2024.
“Cal’s start with LEGACY MC is the start of a new era,” Gallagher said. “With the addition of Cal, we have the right people in place. He has more than 40 years of experience in racing and his senior management experience will shine through immediately. We have had a season of many changes starting with Jimmie [Johnson] partnering with the team and the re-branding of our team, so the addition of Cal is icing on the cake for us, right now.”
Johnson, a seven-time champion of the NASCAR Cup Series, recently joined the ownership group of what was known as Petty GMS Motorsports in 2022, transforming the company’s brand into what it has become today, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.
“I’ve known Cal for my entire career, and we are delighted to welcome him to club,” said Johnson. “His impressive background and deep understanding of the industry – on both the racing and business side – make him a perfect fit for the role. Under Cal’s guidance, we are confident his leadership will take us to the next level during many upcoming transitions of the manufacturer change, as well as continuing to build our brand.”
