LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has tapped Jason Burdett, a long-time shot-caller in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, to serve as the new crew chief for the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE in 2024, which will be run part-time by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.
Burdett, who brings along nearly three decades of experience working with championship-caliber teams, most recently served as crew chief for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a role in which TobyChristie.com reported he would leave after nine seasons on November 28.
“I’m excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and reunite with Jimmie,” said Burdett. “I was part of Jimmie’s team when it all began and witnessed his first win in 2002. I am amazed at the LEGACY Jimmie has created throughout the years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing that LEGACY with him. Partnering with Toyota and their successful history in motorsports is remarkable for our organization. I am dedicated to maximizing our success at the racetrack, to accomplish Cup Series win No. 84 with the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE and write a new chapter in our LEGACY.”
Johnson and Burdett have worked together several times in the past, as the Arkport, New York-native was an employee of Hendrick Motorsports from 2001 to 2007 as a tire specialist, and again from 2008 to 2014 as a car chief – working on the No. 24 and No. 88.
“I have a very long history of working with Jason at Hendrick Motorsports – we spent a lot of time together throughout the years,” said Johnson. “Jason is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in the sport, he’s solid and he’s created an amazing LEGACY for himself. I’ve always had a great working relationship with him, and I’m just genuinely excited he has joined the Club.”
Although Johnson’s NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be limited in 2024, Burdett’s role will be full-time with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, as he uses his wealth of experience to assist the team in transitioning from Chevrolet to Toyota
Additionally, two more important roles on the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE have been named, with Even Bensch now serving as the lead engineer of the entry – moving over from his engineering role on the No. 43 – and Robbie Fairweather returning for a second season as car chief of the entry.
“Jason comes to LEGACY M.C. at a great time,” said Joey Cohen, vice president of race operations. “Not only is he a perfect fit to lead our 84 team with JJ and their past experiences, but he also will help tremendously in the operational transition to Toyota and greatly assist the crew chiefs on the Nos. 42 and 43 teams. We are excited for Jason to begin his LEGACY and continue his winning ways with our Club. Additionally, Evan and Robbie bring consistency and experience to the Club and they will work great alongside Jason.”
To date, Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB have only announced three of his events for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season, with AdventHealth backing the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE at Texas, Charlotte, and Kansas.
The entirety of Johnson’s full-time NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2024 is expected to be announced at the start of 2024, per LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.
