Legacy Motor Club

Legacy Motor Club (LEGACY MC) is a prominent American professional stock car racing team competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson with significant minority stakes held by NASCAR icon Richard Petty, businessman Maury Gallagher, and Knighthead Capital Management, the team blends deep motorsport heritage with a forward-looking vision. Competing under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner, LEGACY MC aims to honor NASCAR’s rich past while building a competitive future with a focus on winning and inclusivity in the motorsports community.

Early Days and Background

The team traces its roots back to Evernham Motorsports, which evolved into Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009. In 2021, the organization was renamed Petty GMS Motorsports following the acquisition of a majority interest by Maury Gallagher who combined forces with Richard Petty Motorsports assets. In early 2023, after Jimmie Johnson joined as a co-owner, the team was rebranded as Legacy Motor Club, marking the first time since NASCAR’s founding in 1949 that the Petty family’s name was not used on the primary team in the top series. The rebranding was intended to create an inclusive “club” representing both motorsport heritage and future ambitions. Leadership changes include Johnson taking active control of day-to-day operations, alongside appointments like CEO Cal Wells, COO Bill Scott, Competition Advisors Matt Kenseth and Trevor Bayne, and General Manager Bobby Kennedy. The team switched manufacturer allegiance from Chevrolet to Toyota starting in the 2024 season, forming a technical alliance with Toyota Racing Development.

Driver Lineup

As of 2024 and into 2025, Legacy Motor Club fields three Toyota Camry teams in the NASCAR Cup Series:

• No. 42 Toyota Camry driven full-time by John Hunter Nemechek, who brings experience and consistency.
• No. 43 Toyota Camry driven full-time by Erik Jones, a seasoned Cup Series competitor and race winner.
• No. 84 Toyota Camry, a part-time entry driven by co-owner Jimmie Johnson in select events, including his ongoing return from retirement.

The team benefits from strong technical support through its Toyota partnership and the combined expertise of its ownership and operations staff.

Net Worth

Although precise financial figures are private, Legacy Motor Club is backed by substantial investment and infrastructure. The involvement of billionaire Maury Gallagher, multi-million-dollar private equity firm Knighthead Capital Management (managing $9 billion in assets), and Jimmie Johnson’s ownership stake point to significant financial backing. Estimated net worth of the team would be in the multi-million-dollar range, reflecting its position as a competitive Cup Series organization.

Legacy in NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club inherits a storied legacy tied to the historic Richard Petty Motorsports and Petty Enterprises lineage—some of NASCAR’s most iconic teams. Its leadership roster, including Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson, underscores its historic roots and championship pedigree. The team fields competitive entries in the NASCAR Cup Series and has a technical alliance with Toyota Racing Development. Drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones actively compete, while the team continues to develop its crew chief and engineering staff to build towards consistent top-level performance.

Recent Controversies

Legacy Motor Club sued T.J. Puchyr and Rick Ware Racing over interfering in a NASCAR charter sale deal. The dispute involves whether the charter sale was for 2026 or 2027. Legacy accuses Puchyr of tortious interference and unfair trade practices after he tried to buy Ware’s team. A judge granted a 10-day restraining order preventing Ware from selling the team amid the ongoing lawsuit. Legacy claims Puchyr used insider knowledge against them.

Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025

• 2024: The team completed the manufacturer switch to Toyota, adapting successfully with multiple top-10 finishes from Nemechek and Jones. Jimmie Johnson returned part-time in the No. 84 Toyota, continuing to attract fan interest and experience. Leadership appointments such as Cal Wells as CEO and Bobby Kennedy as GM strengthened operational depth. 
• 1 August 2025: Jimmie Johnson became majority owner, with Knighthead Capital Management increasing their minority stake and Maury Gallagher transitioning to an ambassador role. Legacy Motor Club continues to focus on building competitive momentum, aiming for race wins and playoff contention with an experienced driver lineup and a reinforced organizational structure.