Jimmie Johnson, the retired seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently reflected on the influence of Rick Hendrick in shaping his journey as a team owner, reinforcing the impact of Rick Hendrick NASCAR influence. Johnson, who now co-owns Legacy Motor Club alongside fellow racing icon Richard Petty, shared insights into how Hendrick’s perspective on competition shaped his approach to team ownership.
In a candid conversation with motorsports reporter Jeff Gluck for The Athletic, Johnson explained the motivations behind his move into team ownership. After stepping away from his championship-winning role as the driver of the #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Johnson searched for a new sense of competition to replace the energy he felt on the track. Taking on the owner’s role at Legacy Motor Club (LMC) proved to be the answer he needed.
Before joining Richard Petty as co-owner at LMC, Johnson believed nothing would match the thrill of being behind the wheel, responsible for the outcome each race day. That perspective changed, however, as he watched his team, led by drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, challenge for victories. Johnson discovered that guiding his drivers and managing the business side of racing reignited his competitive spirit.
Jimmie Johnson credited Rick Hendrick for this realization, describing how Hendrick’s advice on the intense nature of team ownership proved true as Johnson encountered the challenges of running a top-tier NASCAR team. Reflecting on the fulfillment and competition that comes from shaping a team both on and off the track, Johnson highlighted the lessons learned from Hendrick’s example.
“Watching our cars fight for wins recently filled a bucket in a way I wasn’t prepared for. I always thought I had to be the one holding the wheel, but now seeing the team compete is incredibly fulfilling. Ownership is so competitive — not just what you see on track Sunday afternoons. There’s competition for your workforce, for sponsors. We’re racing and competing in every area of the business. I’ve got all the steering wheel I need now to fulfill that competitive drive. The more I get into this, the more I realize Mr. Hendrick was right all along.”
– Jimmie Johnson, Co-owner, Legacy Motor Club
Even during retirement, Johnson has occasionally returned to the driver’s seat for Legacy Motor Club in major events. In 2025, he participated in both the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600, driving the #84 car. Impressively, he secured a third-place finish in Daytona—his highest finish in NASCAR’s NextGen car to date—demonstrating that his skills behind the wheel remain sharp. With 83 career Cup Series wins, Johnson’s impact as a driver continues to resonate within the NASCAR community.
Legacy Motor Club’s 2025 Season Gains Momentum
Legacy Motor Club has shown notable progress throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, reflecting Johnson’s leadership alongside Richard Petty. The team’s drivers, John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones, currently occupy 22nd and 23rd positions in the Cup Series points standings, respectively. Their advancement marks clear improvement for both drivers compared to 2024, when Nemechek finished 34th and Jones ended the year in 28th place.
Through the first 29 races of the season, Nemechek and Jones have combined for six top-five finishes, underlining the team’s rise in performance. This development not only highlights Johnson’s evolution as a team owner but also showcases the competitive growth of Legacy Motor Club’s organization within the fiercely contested world of NASCAR.
With its drivers gaining momentum and the business side growing stronger, Legacy Motor Club’s renewed drive signals the effectiveness of strategies shaped by Rick Hendrick’s mentorship. As the season progresses, the continued performance of Nemechek, Jones, and the rest of the team could propel LMC toward even greater results, further demonstrating that Johnson’s transition from driver to owner—fueled by Rick Hendrick NASCAR influence—has brought renewed energy and competitiveness to the organization.
