Legacy Motor Club

Legacy Motor Club, formerly known as Richard Petty Motorsports, is a distinguished name in American stock car racing, embodying a rich heritage and a renewed vision in NASCAR. Rebranded in 2022, the club is co-owned by racing legends Richard Petty, often hailed as “The King” of NASCAR for his unmatched success on the track, and Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. Based in Welcome, North Carolina, Legacy Motor Club competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, bringing together a storied past and an innovative approach to racing. With its iconic status and strategic rebranding, the club aims to honor its deep roots in the sport while adapting to the dynamic demands of modern motorsports, striving to shape the future of racing with a fresh competitive edge.

HISTORY

Legacy Motor Club, originally known as Richard Petty Motorsports, carries a storied legacy in NASCAR, encapsulating decades of racing history under various names and ownership structures. The team’s origins trace back to the Petty family, particularly Richard Petty, the iconic figure in NASCAR known for his record-setting 200 career wins and seven Cup Series championships.

The lineage of what would become Legacy Motor Club began with Petty Enterprises, founded by Lee Petty, Richard’s father, in 1949. This team was one of NASCAR’s earliest and became synonymous with success in the sport. Under the Petty Enterprises banner, Richard Petty rose to prominence, driving the famous No. 43 car to most of his historic victories.

In 2009, Petty Enterprises merged with Gillett Evernham Motorsports to form Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). This merger marked a new era, with the team competing under the RPM name and continuing to use the iconic No. 43. Despite facing various financial and competitive challenges, RPM managed to stay relevant in the NASCAR landscape, celebrating occasional victories and continuing the Petty legacy.

In 2022, the organization underwent a significant rebranding to become Legacy Motor Club. This change was spearheaded by Richard Petty and new co-owner Jimmie Johnson, another titan of NASCAR with seven Cup Series championships of his own. The introduction of Johnson brought fresh energy and a contemporary perspective to the team.

NASCAR Cup Series

Legacy Motor Club, originally known as Petty GMS Motorsports, competes prominently in the NASCAR Cup Series. Following a rebranding in early 2023, the team fields multiple Toyota Camry cars, including full-time entries for drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones, and a part-time car for co-owner Jimmie Johnson. The team is known for its strategic partnerships and technical alliances that enhance its competitive edge in NASCAR’s top series.

NASCAR Xfinity Series

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Legacy Motor Club extends its racing expertise to foster emerging talent and refine racecraft. While not as extensively covered as their Cup Series efforts, their participation in the Xfinity Series underscores their commitment to developing drivers and competing across NASCAR’s diverse platforms.

NASCAR Truck Series

Legacy Motor Club’s involvement in the NASCAR Truck Series showcases their dedication to the broader NASCAR ecosystem, offering opportunities for drivers to gain experience in one of the sport’s most challenging series. Their engagement in the Truck Series highlights their commitment to excellence and growth in all aspects of stock car racing.