John Hunter Nemechek, representing LEGACY Motor Club, is taking an assertive stance in the current John Hunter Nemechek NASCAR season, making it clear he won’t simply step aside for those still contending for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. As the 2025 season nears its close, both Nemechek and teammate Erik Jones continue to compete fiercely, particularly as the playoffs advance and only eight contenders remain.
Nemechek and Jones Set Sights on Race Wins, Not Just Participation
Although neither John Hunter Nemechek nor Erik Jones are in the running for the championship this season, their determination to influence the playoff outcome is unwavering. Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a pivotal venue this weekend, offers both drivers another stage to disrupt playoff expectations. Their refusal to act as passive participants in these critical races is underpinned by the overall progress at LEGACY Motor Club, following a difficult 2024 campaign.
Earlier this week, during a news conference, Nemechek made his motivation clear:
“Who says we’re giving up anything?”
— John Hunter Nemechek, Driver.
He elaborated on his determination to race with full effort for himself, his entire team, and all those associated with LEGACY Motor Club. Nemechek emphasized that every contest presents a new possibility:
“Yes, we’re not contending for a championship this year, but we look at it, at least our No. 42 group, as an opportunity to go out and possibly spoil that,”
he continued.
“We’ve made a lot of improvements over the last 10 months at LEGACY Motor Club. These races are very important. We’re all here to race and provide the best possible opportunity for our team.”
— John Hunter Nemechek, Driver.
Jones Echoes Determination and Stresses Respect for Playoff Hopefuls
Erik Jones, also racing for LEGACY Motor Club, echoed much of what his teammate voiced, highlighting a shared determination within the group. According to Jones:
“I don’t think I see it a whole lot different,”
Jones said.
“We’re trying to obviously run the best we can. Tomorrow and next weekend at Talladega, there’s nothing stopping us from winning here or [at] Talladega. That really would turn your season around.”
— Erik Jones, Driver.
Jones further emphasized the need for mutual professional respect, especially when playoff competitors contend with non-playoff drivers:
“You gotta show a little extra respect [to playoff drivers]. I’ve been on the other side of it; I’ve been in the playoffs and had to race guys that aren’t. There’s times when it’s incredibly frustrating when that level of respect isn’t there.”
— Erik Jones, Driver.
Results Reflect Progress and Growing Respect
Both John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones have made noticeable gains over their results in 2024, adding weight to their competitive position in the garage. After 32 of the 36 scheduled races, Jones holds 25th in the Cup Series standings, closely followed by Nemechek in 26th—a marked improvement from their previous finishing positions of 28th and 34th last season.
This upswing for LEGACY Motor Club hasn’t gone unnoticed among peers and fans. Their dedication signals to others in the NASCAR Cup Series garage that every on-track battle, playoff implications aside, remains significant for teams aiming to turn momentum into future championship runs.
Impact on the Playoffs and What Lies Ahead
As the 2025 Cup Series season approaches its last four race weekends, including upcoming stops at iconic locations like Talladega, the focus sharpens on how non-playoff drivers like Nemechek and Jones can shape playoff destinies. Their commitment, fueled by pride in both their group and LEGACY Motor Club, introduces additional layers of intrigue and uncertainty as the playoffs unfold. With the possibility to disrupt the established order and gather crucial momentum, John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones exemplify the never-settle approach that defines NASCAR drama in its closing stages.
