Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek addressed rumors about his potential move to Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2026 season after a NASCAR parody page posted the claim online. The latest Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR update triggered widespread discussion among fans before the confusion was cleared up.
Rumors Sparked by Parody Account Stir NASCAR Community
The speculation began when The Daily Downfords, a NASCAR-themed parody page, posted an announcement that John Hunter Nemechek would be joining Joe Gibbs Racing’s Cup program for 2026. Nemechek, 28, who is currently competing full-time for Legacy Motor Club in the Cup Series, previously drove for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series, both part-time and full-time, piloting the #18 and #20 Toyota GR Supra from 2022 to 2024.
“.@JHNemechek will join Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Full Time. Nemechek has previously competed full time in all three national series”
— The Daily Downfords
John Hunter Nemechek responded to the rumor on social media, jokingly writing, “big if true”. The playful reply quickly caught the attention of NASCAR fans online. Later, The Daily Downfords clarified their post by sharing an old screenshot from 2023, indicating that the rumor was not new information and aimed to remind followers of Nemechek’s actual stint at Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series.
“#downfordsbomb indeed John Hunter Nemechek will race for JGR in the Xfinity Series in 2023!”
— The Daily Downfords
Nemechek, responding with a laughing emoji, highlighted the lighthearted nature of the exchange. The driver’s time with JGR in 2023 was marked by seven victories in the #20 Toyota Supra and a fourth-place finish in the final standings, where he tallied 4,009 points. In 2024, Nemechek split his schedule, competing part-time for JGR while serving as a full-time driver for Legacy Motor Club in the Cup Series, earning two wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway.
Legacy Motor Club’s Progress Praised by Nemechek
Following the parody-fueled speculation, Nemechek discussed recent improvements in Legacy Motor Club’s performance during a February 2025 interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90. Reflecting on the strides made over the past season, he emphasized the positive changes within the organization led by Jimmie Johnson. Both Nemechek and teammate Jimmie Johnson achieved top-five finishes at the 2025 Daytona 500, with Nemechek finishing fifth and Johnson securing third in the iconic race.
“We’re in contention; we did what we needed to do. We’re up front, led some lanes. Overall, really solid day for the Legacy Motor Club organization. Jimmie finished third and myself finishing fifth, so overall proud of that effort from all these guys. They built some fast race cars, definitely a step in the right direction from last year, from 2024.” [00:04]
— John Hunter Nemechek, Legacy Motor Club Driver
Throughout the 2025 Cup Series campaign, Nemechek wrapped up the season ranked 25th, collecting 664 points, scoring eight top-10 finishes and two top-five results. The 2021 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular season champion maintained an average finishing position of just over 20th, underlining both the progress and the remaining challenges for the team as they look ahead.
Significance for Nemechek, Legacy Motor Club, and Joe Gibbs Racing
The recent Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR update, albeit stemming from a parody account, drew attention to the close ties John Hunter Nemechek has shared with JGR and underscored his achievements during his time there. While the rumor was debunked, the discussion showcased the passion and engagement of NASCAR’s fan base online, as well as Nemechek’s good-natured response. His performance with Legacy Motor Club, alongside veteran Jimmie Johnson, signals positive momentum heading into future seasons for the organization. Whether further collaborations with Joe Gibbs Racing materialize in Nemechek’s career remains to be seen, but current developments keep his name prominent in the ongoing storylines of NASCAR competition.
big if true
— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) November 19, 2025
