Jimmie Johnson has introduced a decisive change at Legacy Motor Club (LMC) by bringing in Justin Alexander as the new crew chief for the 2026 NASCAR season, aiming to reposition the team as a top competitor. This move focuses on leveraging Alexander’s proven expertise to inspire better results from Erik Jones and potentially guide Johnson to milestone achievements amidst an energized NASCAR community.
Legacy Motor Club’s Strategic Choice for 2026
After taking charge as team owner, Jimmie Johnson has worked diligently to boost Legacy Motor Club’s performance, recruiting standout talent and striving for incremental progress. His approach bore fruit during the 2025 NASCAR season, when John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones jointly secured thirteen top-10 finishes—a clear step up from previous years. However, Johnson recognized that true progression comes with strong leadership, especially at the crew chief position, prompting his most recent and ambitious signing.
Erik Jones, who previously achieved multiple victories with Joe Gibbs Racing, struggled to find the top step at LMC despite his clear racing talent. Addressing this, Johnson looked beyond the driver’s seat, focusing on strengthening the foundation and teamwork within the garage. Veteran racing strategist Justin Alexander, recruited from Richard Childress Racing (RCR), will now take the reins as crew chief for Jones, an appointment widely seen as a tactical fit for the ambitions of both Jones and the wider LMC roster.
Justin Alexander Takes Charge of the No. 43 Car
For Erik Jones, the new year brings heightened expectations as the team welcomes Justin Alexander, a name synonymous with engineering savvy and strategic victory in the Cup Series. Alexander’s tenure at RCR included his rapid ascension to Austin Dillon’s crew chief, where his guidance translated into immediate success—most notably, guiding Dillon to his first ever win at the iconic Coca-Cola 600 in 2017. This impressive record set the stage for LMC’s leadership to anticipate similar breakthroughs as he joins their crew.
Jimmie Johnson expressed his confidence in the new addition:
“We’re continuing to evolve and refine every part of our race program, and Justin is a tremendous addition to our crew chief lineup,”
Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner.
He continued by highlighting the cohesion Alexander brings:
“His experience, communication style, and leadership align perfectly with the direction we’re headed. We appreciate Ben’s hard work and look forward to his continued contributions as he transitions into his new role.”
Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner.
LMC announced Alexander as crew chief for the No. 43, with Ben Beshore moving to Director of Race Engineering. The organizational reshuffle signals the club’s commitment to continuous improvement and signals trust in Alexander’s capability to foster a winning atmosphere.
Alexander’s Impact at Richard Childress and What He Brings to Legacy
Justin Alexander’s years at Richard Childress Racing left a significant mark, both for his technical skills and his track record under pressure. He was a central figure in revitalizing RCR’s modern identity, consistently helping transform data into race-winning strategies, and serving as the pillar of engineering excellence within the team. His approach went beyond the pursuit of checkered flags, focusing also on reliable race setups that allowed drivers like Austin Dillon to excel in critical moments.
This strategic mindset and attention to actionable data give Legacy Motor Club a much-needed boost, especially as they strive to break into the winner’s circle more regularly. While still some distance from playoff contention, Erik Jones’s effort throughout the 2025 season showed the team’s potential to surprise and compete for victories when all elements align. With Alexander at the helm, the focus now shifts to building that consistent competitive edge.
Looking Ahead: Can Johnson and Jones Capitalize on the Change?
Jimmie Johnson’s reputation as a driver is firmly cemented—his collection of seven Cup Series titles puts him in the company of Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Yet, even after stepping away from full-time competition following the 2020 season, Johnson remains a fixture on the track, making selective starts with Legacy Motor Club. The opportunity for another race win is ever-present, especially as Johnson gears up once again in the No. 84 for special events in 2026, hoping to reach his career goal of 84 wins.
Johnson’s optimism for the new season is apparent in his words:
“The right races and for the right reasons, that makes a lot of sense,”
Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner and Driver.
He added:
“But yeah, I’d love to continue to expand and kick more of these bucket list opportunities off my list.”
Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner and Driver.
With Alexander’s innovative methods and leadership, there is growing anticipation that both Jones and Johnson could see performance gains in 2026. Johnson’s impressive third-place finish at the 2025 Daytona 500 underscores his persistent ability to challenge the front-runners, and Alexander’s arrival strengthens the club’s technical resources and tactical depth. The partnership not only targets immediate gains for Erik Jones but also promises to elevate the entire team’s performance, leaving fans and observers eager for what’s to come.
The Broader Impact on NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
This bold reorganization at Legacy Motor Club, driven by Jimmie Johnson’s hands-on leadership and vision, reflects wider trends in NASCAR, where a blend of driver skill, engineering prowess, and strategic crew chief decisions increasingly shapes the chase for wins. The entry of Alexander—who brings fresh approaches learned at Richard Childress Racing—signals LMC’s intention to break previous patterns and redefine their status among race winners.
As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this calculated move will generate the breakthrough results that Johnson, Alexander, and Erik Jones are aiming for. For fans, the anticipation of new stories and achievements at tracks from Dover to Nashville adds further energy to an already charged motorsport landscape.
NEWS: Justin Alexander named Crew Chief of No. 43, Ben Beshore to transition to Director of Race Engineering
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— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) January 5, 2026
