Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, is seeking emerging talent in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, focusing on drivers like Jesse Love and Connor Zilisch as possible additions for a future Legacy Cup team. As Johnson evaluates expansion timelines, current championship odds place Justin Allgaier as the top contender, setting the stage for a competitive 2025 season in the Xfinity Series.
Legacy Motor Club Eyes Third Cup Team with New Talent
Jimmie Johnson is actively assessing standout drivers in the Xfinity Series, aiming to expand Legacy Motor Club in Statesville, North Carolina, from two to three teams by 2027. Although the original plan targeted next season for the new team, extending the timeline remains possible. Regardless of when the expansion happens, Johnson has specifically mentioned Jesse Love and rookie Connor Zilisch as key prospects to advance with the organization.
Love, currently ranked fourth in the driver standings, trails Justin Allgaier by 83 points. With one victory and eleven top-10 finishes across seventeen starts this season, his consistency has captured attention within the series. Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch, who earned his maiden Xfinity win at Watkins Glen last September, holds fifth place in points. He boasts two wins and eight top-10s, and carries the second-best odds for this year’s championship.
The current Legacy Motor Club roster features Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, both still seeking their first victory after eighteen races in the season.
Johnson elaborated on his ambitions for the team, stating,
It’s our intentions and ambitions to put a third car on the grid in 2026,
—Johnson, Legacy Motor Club co-owner. He further explained that, in the worst-case scenario, this expansion might be delayed until 2027, but efforts are underway to meet the 2026 target.
Prospects and Strategy in Scouting Young Drivers
Johnson values toyota/”>Toyota’s efforts in supporting young drivers and notes several promising talents progressing through development programs. His evaluation of Xfinity Series competitors like Jesse Love and Connor Zilisch, as well as other young drivers in the garage, demonstrates a considered approach to team growth and succession planning within Legacy Motor Club.
He noted the difficulty of the decision-making process, sharing,
There’s just questions in my mind and especially wearing my team owner’s hat, we’re looking to add a third car and hoping to get some news soon on that, but where to look, it’s tough.
—Johnson, Legacy Motor Club co-owner.
Justin Allgaier Leads 2025 Xfinity Series Title Odds
Heading into the Chicago Street Race, Justin Allgaier holds the strongest sports-betting odds to claim the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers’ championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Allgaier’s odds stand at +170, reflecting his consistent performance. Zilisch follows closely, getting +450 odds after his recent on-track successes.
As the Xfinity Series season unfolds, drivers like Love and Zilisch continue to strengthen their case for promotion, while organizations like Legacy Motor Club look to secure fresh talent for future Cup Series competition. With Johnson’s scouting intensifying and key drivers setting the pace in the standings, decisions made in the coming months are expected to influence both the roster and competitive landscape in the 2025 and 2026 NASCAR seasons.
