Jason Burdett Returns: The path of Jason Burdett in NASCAR is set for another intriguing turn in 2024, reuniting him with one of stock car racing’s most illustrious figures.
Legacy Motor Club revealed on Tuesday that Burdett will take on the role of Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief in the Cup Series for the 2024 season. Johnson, the seven-time Cup Series champion, is set to race a partial schedule in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, with Burdett making the calls from atop the pit box.
Their history stretches back to Burdett’s tenure with Hendrick Motorsports, a time when he was making his ascent in NASCAR while Johnson was constructing his remarkable legacy in the sport.
“I’m thrilled to join Legacy Motor Club and reconnect with Jimmie,” shared Burdett. “I was there at the beginning of Jimmie’s journey and witnessed his inaugural win back in 2002. The legacy Jimmie has crafted over the years is awe-inspiring, and I feel privileged to contribute to continuing that legacy with him.”
Burdett departed from Steuben County for North Carolina in 1995, entering NASCAR as a tire specialist at Robert Yates Racing, contributing to Dale Jarrett’s 1999 Cup championship win. He transitioned to Hendrick Motorsports in 2001, coinciding with Jeff Gordon‘s Cup title triumph.
His stint at Hendrick spanned until 2014, a period that witnessed Johnson’s dominance in the sport, securing multiple Cup titles.
“I have a deep-rooted history with Jason from our time together at Hendrick Motorsports — we’ve shared numerous experiences over the years,” mentioned Johnson. “Jason embodies a genuine character, and he’s established an exceptional legacy for himself. We’ve always had a fantastic working rapport, and I’m genuinely excited about his involvement with the Club.”
Johnson became part of the ownership team at Legacy Motor Club, previously known as Petty GMS, in late 2022. He participated in three races for Legacy in 2023, marking his return after retiring in 2020. The team also fields fulltime rides for John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42) and Erik Jones (No. 43).
Though Johnson’s schedule is part-time, Burdett joins Legacy M.C. in a full-time capacity, coinciding with the team’s manufacturer transition from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024.
“Jason’s arrival at LEGACY M.C. couldn’t have come at a better time,” remarked Joey Cohen, vice president of race operations. “Not only does he perfectly fit the role of leading our No. 84 team alongside JJ with their shared history, but he’ll also be invaluable during our transition to Toyota, greatly aiding the crew chiefs for our Nos. 42 and 43 teams. We eagerly await Jason’s start at LEGACY as he continues his winning ways with our Club.”
Burdett carries substantial experience in leading race teams. He served as Jarrett’s crew chief in 2007 at Michael Waltrip Racing and later worked as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. His tenure at JRM from 2015-2023 saw him become the winningest crew chief in the team’s history, notching 18 wins with Regan Smith, Justin Allgaier, and Brandon Jones.
During his time at JRM, Burdett directed 293 races, claiming 113 top-five and 193 top-10 finishes, securing five appearances in the “Championship 4.”
Three of Johnson’s 2024 races have been confirmed. AdventHealth will sponsor the No. 84 at Texas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, and Kansas Speedway in May. LEGACY M.C. intends to unveil Johnson’s full schedule early in 2024.
“Teaming up with Toyota and their storied racing legacy is monumental for our organization,” emphasized Burdett. “I am devoted to maximizing our success on the track, striving to achieve Cup Series win No. 84 with the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, and crafting a new chapter in our Legacy.”
Also read: Jimmie Johnson 2024 NASCAR Return: Reuniting, Team Changes, and Sponsorship Dynamics
