Duyen Ha, executive chef for Legacy Motor Club, is set to compete as a contestant on the upcoming season of Top Chef: Carolinas, putting her skills to the test in a nationally spotlighted cooking competition that merges NASCAR with culinary excitement. The Bravo series will kick off March 9, featuring a unique premiere challenge at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, ensuring motorsport and food join forces in North Carolina.
Jimmie Johnson Joins as Special Guest Judge
The crossover between racing and cuisine gets even more remarkable with the surprise appearance of Jimmie Johnson—seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Legacy Motor Club owner—serving as a guest judge on the season’s debut episode. The judging panel this year includes show host Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons, all seasoned figures in the culinary world, as 15 chefs from across the globe take on food challenges rooted in Carolinas’ traditions. Early streaming of the new season began March 3 on Peacock, building anticipation ahead of the Bravo broadcast.
Chef Duyen Ha’s Racing Background and Culinary Credentials
Ha joined Legacy Motor Club in 2025 specifically to revamp and oversee the culinary program during race weekends. She brings a wealth of experience with Michelin training and past roles in celebrated European kitchens, as well as the distinction of winning a Food Network Chopped episode in the high-pressure, creative environment the competition demands. At Legacy MC, Ha crafts high-quality meals for the organization’s hospitality division and special guests, often incorporating regional flavors from each race location into the menus she develops throughout the NASCAR season.
She has built a reputation within the industry for adapting sophisticated culinary expertise to the fast-paced demands of motorsport events, where serving large groups efficiently and elegantly is always a necessity.
“Race weekends move fast, and the kitchen has to keep up,”
said Ha.
“Being part of this team and helping build the program has been incredibly rewarding, and Top Chef gave me the chance to bring that same energy and creativity next level.”
Legacy Motor Club’s Drive for Excellence
Jimmie Johnson views Ha’s inclusion on the Top Chef stage as a reflection of Legacy Motor Club’s overarching commitment to excellence in every aspect, including the kitchen and hospitality roles that support its racing operations.
“Duyen is an important part of our team,”
Johnson said.
“The way she approaches her craft mirrors how we approach racing — with preparation, creativity and a commitment to doing things the right way. It was fun to be part of the premiere episode, I completely surprised her, and I’m excited for people to see what she brings to the competition.”
Legacy Motor Club stands out as a premier auto racing organization, led by Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC, competing under the Toyota Racing banner. NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, also known as “The King,” serves as club ambassador. Drivers Erik Jones, John Hunter Nemechek, and occasionally Johnson himself pilot the team’s Toyota Camry XSE cars, carrying forward a tradition of innovation, inclusion, and competitive drive at the top level of NASCAR.
What This Means for NASCAR and Culinary Enthusiasts
The blend of high-stake racing and culinary artistry highlights Legacy Motor Club’s unique place in NASCAR, where the passion doesn’t end at the racetrack. Ha’s participation on Top Chef not only spotlights the versatility and depth of talent within the club, but also inspires fans of both motorsports and cooking to appreciate the dedication required in every discipline. With the premiere approaching, the stage is set for an exciting season that brings together contestants, NASCAR fans, and culinary followers alike, further expanding the vibrant community of motorsport enthusiasts in the Carolinas and beyond.
Top Chef: Carolinas premieres March 9 on Bravo, with episodes already available for early viewing on Peacock.
