The anticipation is building as Legacy Motor Club prepares for a pivotal showdown at the Brickyard 400, with drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek aiming to secure a coveted playoff berth during this high-stakes event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This Legacy Motor Club Indianapolis race preview examines the drivers, strategies, and traditions poised to shape the weekend as the team targets a breakthrough performance at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues.
Legacy Motor Club’s Storied Past at Indianapolis
Few NASCAR teams bring the blend of history and ambition to Indianapolis like Legacy Motor Club. Co-owner Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, boasts a remarkable connection to the Brickyard. Johnson’s 19 previous Cup Series starts at the 2.5-mile oval have netted him four landmark victories, six top-five results, seven top-10 finishes, and an impressive 306 laps led. His first Indianapolis win came in August 2006, besting competition advisor Matt Kenseth as the race concluded under caution. Johnson’s dominance continued with victories in back-to-back July races in 2008 and 2009, and his last win at the famed oval was in July 2012 when he started sixth and led 99 laps to finish well ahead of runner-up Kyle Busch.
Johnson’s experience at this storied venue is not limited to NASCAR alone. He also took on the Indianapolis 500 in the INDYCAR Series, qualifying on the fourth row in 2022 before a late-race incident relegated him to 28th. Johnson has since contributed to the Indy 500 broadcasts with NBC, and earlier in 2024, took part in Tom Brady’s “Fastest Seat in Sports” event. Together, Johnson and Brady led the field to green in a two-seat INDYCAR before Johnson quickly returned to Charlotte to race in the Coca-Cola 600 the same evening.
Matt Kenseth, the team‘s competition advisor, has 20 starts at Indianapolis, collecting 10 top-five finishes and 13 top-tens with 77 laps led. He narrowly missed out on victory multiple times, coming in second to names like Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch across four separate runnings of the Brickyard 400.
Reviving Legacy: The Number Shadowing Program and Special Initiatives
The Brickyard 400 serves as a special occasion not only for its racing heritage but also as a showcase for Legacy Motor Club’s tributes. The team is bringing back the Number Shadowing program, first introduced before the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro. This striking visual element features the shades of Richard Petty’s iconic Parts Blue on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE, and Lee Petty’s characteristic red on the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE. This detailing ties the current roster to the team’s distinguished lineage and will be featured during select Crown Jewel events, including the Brickyard 400, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol, and the Southern 500 at Darlington.
Adding a unique flair to their Indianapolis weekend, Legacy Motor Club drivers Jones and Nemechek are making a side trip after Friday practice to Westfield’s Ultimate Canine Training Facility. They’ll engage with graduating K9 officers in a friendly competition. Erik Jones will introduce his canine companion, Oscar, participating alongside the police dogs as part of activities organized by trainer Julie Case, who has more than 27 years of experience in dog handling.
Spotlighting Partners and Community Engagement
A major theme of the weekend will be the prominent display of Dollar Tree colors on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE, driven by Erik Jones. With Dollar Tree as the primary partner, Jones’ car will also feature support from vendor Jack Links. The bold livery and collaboration are set to make a notable impact both on the racetrack and across social media platforms.
Legacy Motor Club embraces fan and community engagement through various outlets. Jimmie Johnson appears weekly on the “Never Settle” podcast with ESPN’s Marty Smith, and this week’s guest features Carolina Hurricanes coach and Stanley Cup champion Rod Brind’Amour.
John Hunter Nemechek: Momentum and Aspirations
John Hunter Nemechek enters the Brickyard 400 with history and optimism. He has two Cup Series starts at this hallowed track, finishing 15th in 2020 and leading 16 laps in 2024 before being sidelined by a late-race crash, resulting in a 29th-place finish. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, his outings in 2018 and 2019 ended in 25th and 31st spots respectively.
Crew Chief Travis Mack is entering his second Cup Series race at Indianapolis, previously calling the shots for AJ Allmendinger in 2024, where a crash relegated the car to 30th place. Mack also has experience in the Xfinity Series with Michael Annett, securing a best finish of 12th in 2019 at this circuit.
This year, Nemechek and Mack are determined to turn strong practice and past front-running speed into a playoff-securing result. Their strategy will focus on maximizing qualifying and leveraging any pit lane advantage that may arise as the race unfolds.
“We had a really good run going in Indy last year. Ended poorly, result-wise, but led some laps. We had a really fast car though, so I’m looking forward to going back there. We have a long practice session this weekend, so we get to try some things. This has been a race that has been circled on our calendar all year. Hopefully we have a shot to win. If we don’t have a shot to win, we want to make the best day out of it that we possibly can and have a solid result in our No. 42 Pye-Barker Toyota Camry XSE.”
—John Hunter Nemechek, Driver
“I feel good about Indy. It’s going to come down to qualifying and pit strategy. John Hunter led laps here last year, and I feel like we’ve made lots of improvements since then. I look at this as one of our top races that we could clinch our way into the playoffs.”
—Travis Mack, Crew Chief
Erik Jones: Chasing a Hometown Dream at the Brickyard
For Erik Jones, this year’s Brickyard 400 represents more than just another start — it’s a chance to achieve a lifelong ambition. Sunday’s contest is his sixth NASCAR Cup Series appearance at Indianapolis, with his best result coming in September 2018, finishing a close second to Brad Keselowski after starting 13th. His Indianapolis Xfinity Series record includes three starts, with a best finish of 22nd in July 2016 and consistently strong qualifying performances.
Crew Chief Ben Beshore brings considerable experience to the weekend, having previously been atop the box for Nemechek’s 2024 run at Indy, where an unfortunate incident on lap 161 scuttled their race. In the Xfinity Series, Beshore celebrated victory in 2019 when Kyle Busch secured a narrow win after leading 46 laps.
Away from the driving seat, Jones continues to connect with fans and the community. Social media influencer Elyse Hofer, recognized for her significant following on Instagram, TikTok, and Zigazoo, will be Jones’ guest in Indianapolis. Jones also upholds his commitment to literacy through the #READwithErik series; for this event, he will read “Goodnight Racetrack” by Andy Amendola and Ashley Newgarden on his channels in collaboration with the Newgardens.
“Indy’s such a great track, and I’m so happy for it to be back on the oval. Last year getting back to it, we didn’t have much of a race, unfortunately. We had a mechanical issue from Lap 1 that kept us from getting much experience, but I feel like where we’re at this year and our strengths, Indy should be a really good track for the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota team. I’m excited to get there and see what the race is going to bring. This is a race win that is on everyone’s bucket list, including mine. I grew up just four hours away and raced there as a kid in quarter midgets in the parking lot. So, it’s always fun to go back there and just get a chance to race on the oval. I want to have a shot to win at the oval, so I’m looking forward to it. Hoping we can go there and execute well.”
—Erik Jones, Driver
“Indianapolis is a track where you can pull a lot of similarities from Pocono. It’s sort of that bigger, 2-mile track with a lot of straightaway time. Qualifying is going to be important at Indy. It’s going to be tricky to pass during the race. If you find yourself off sequence, it’s hard. You’ll have guys who will go back-and-forth on strategies, but you kind of just have to pick a strategy and ride it out. You have to hope that cautions fall in your favor. I love Indy. It’s a really cool track with a lot of tradition. Just seeing those cars come down the front straightaway with grandstands on both sides, there’s nothing like it. The yard of bricks at the start-finish line is iconic. It’s just a really cool place and probably one of my favorite tracks on the schedule.”
—Ben Beshore, Crew Chief
Activities and Fan Engagement Surrounding Race Weekend
Beyond the competitive focus, Legacy Motor Club aims to create memorable experiences with their fans at Indianapolis. Erik Jones is scheduled to connect in person during a signing session at the NASCAR Classics trackside merchandise rig at 10:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, July 27. John Hunter Nemechek will meet fans on Saturday, July 26, at 11:30 a.m. These interactions underscore the team’s commitment to fostering a dynamic relationship with its supporters.
On race day, fans can tune in at 2 p.m. ET on outlets such as TNT, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) to follow the Brickyard 400 action from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The excitement and stakes for Legacy Motor Club drivers Jones and Nemechek are intensified by the looming playoff cut, making this a can’t-miss spectacle for NASCAR followers.
Chasing History and Playoff Glory at the Brickyard
The Brickyard 400 stands as a defining chapter in NASCAR’s season and in Legacy Motor Club’s ongoing story. With playoff positions on the line, both Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek have their sights set on victory and the chance to add their names to the illustrious list of winners at Indianapolis. Drawing on a legacy forged by champions, bolstered by community and partner support, and sharpened by desire and preparation, Legacy Motor Club approaches Indianapolis with determination and optimism. The outcome of this weekend’s race could shape not just their season, but their place in NASCAR history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is the CEO of Legacy Motor Club?
A. Currently, Legacy assists 30,000 family members of veterans who lost their lives or health while serving our nation. Our efforts ensure children receive education and opportunities. We help widows avoid being left alone or facing hardships. Our support also helps prevent families from being broken apart by post-traumatic stress or other mental injuries.
Q. Who is the owner of Legacy Motor Club?
A. Ijaz Nisar started and leads CEO Club Pakistan, the World CEO Forum, and CEO Today.
Q. Who is the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club?
A. Legacy Motor Club, once called Petty GMS Motorsports, is a U.S. stock car racing team. Jimmie Johnson owns it, with smaller shares held by Richard Petty, Maury Gallagher, and Knighthead Capital Management.
Q. How many cars does Legacy Motor Club own?
A. Legacy, a team owned by Jimmie Johnson, who has won the NASCAR Cup Series seven times, holds two charters. They use these charters to race two cars. Last season, they considered expanding during the Stewart-Haas Racing sale, but they did not end up buying a charter.
