Legacy Motor Club is set to expand to a three-car roster in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, but the search for its latest driver is still open. With Legacy Motor Club drivers 2027 at the forefront of speculation, several rising talents have emerged as potential picks, signaling significant moves ahead in the sport.
Legacy Motor Club’s 2027 Expansion Plans
The decision by Legacy Motor Club (LMC) to add a third car for the upcoming 2027 NASCAR season has stirred up considerable debate among industry insiders about who will secure the coveted full-time seat. While the annual “silly season” has yet to resolve the biggest team changes, several names are gaining attention as likely candidates for the new role.
Jesse Love: The Breakout Prospect
Jesse Love, currently regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in NASCAR, is rumored to be a top option for LMC’s expansion. At 21, Love is already competing in select Cup Series races for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in the No. 33 car, building his experience at the highest level. His rapid development is notable, especially as he is widely considered the second-best prospect for 2026, behind only Corey Heim.
The path to bringing Love on board at Legacy, however, may be complicated. RCR is watching closely, with veteran Kyle Busch possibly leaving after 2026 and the No. 8 car potentially opening up. Austin Dillon, set to become a more prominent team leader at RCR, could see Love as an ideal successor—possibly pushing to set him up in a full-time Cup seat as soon as next year. At 22, Love would bring youthful energy and the chance for LMC to invest in a long-term star as he accrues more time in the Next Gen car.
Riley Herbst and the Financial Consideration
Riley Herbst is another leading name under consideration for Legacy Motor Club’s new seat in 2027. Herbst currently drives full-time for 23XI Racing in the No. 35 car but faces growing uncertainty as the team experiences success with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. The organization could use the upcoming season to move top prospect Corey Heim into the No. 35 slot, which would leave Herbst looking for a new opportunity.
Herbst stands out not just for his racing talent but also for his established relationship with Monster Energy and the significant sponsorship he brings through his family’s connections. Such financial backing could be especially attractive for LMC, offering stability and commercial support as the team scales up. Additionally, expectations for Herbst at LMC would likely be more manageable compared to the pressure at 23XI.
Corey Heim’s Accelerating Rise
Corey Heim, fresh off a record-breaking year in the Truck Series, is expected to split his schedule among the Cup Series, Truck Series, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this season. Widely believed by many in the industry to be ready for a full Cup ride, Heim could replace Herbst at 23XI, which would clear the path for Herbst to move to Legacy in 2027. This domino effect illustrates just how interconnected the decisions of prominent teams and drivers are each year in NASCAR’s shifting landscape.
Outlook for Legacy Motor Club and the NASCAR Cup Series
As the 2027 season approaches, the pool of Legacy Motor Club drivers 2027 prospects continues to evolve, with Jesse Love and Riley Herbst leading the current conversation. Their potential additions signify LMC’s ambition to compete at the highest levels and adapt quickly to the broader changes in NASCAR. The presence of seasoned veterans and acclaimed young talents like Corey Heim, alongside financial support from sponsors such as Monster Energy, positions the team to make a mark as it grows. The coming months promise further developments as the “silly season” unfolds and teams finalize their lineups for an anticipated year of intense competition and shifting alliances.
