Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson made a significant announcement regarding Legacy Motor Club's future during an appearance on SiriusXM's "The Morning Drive," revealing expansion plans that could reshape the organization's competitive prospects.
"Without question, we will have a third car on the grid next year," Johnson declared during his interview with hosts Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone. The team owner emphasized the strategic benefits of the expansion, explaining, "All the benefits that come with running an additional car will help speed up our process."
The expansion will add to Legacy Motor Club's current lineup of the No. 42 and No. 43 cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. Johnson took majority ownership of the team before the 2025 season, inheriting an organization previously owned by NASCAR legend Richard Petty.
Legacy Motor Club has been undergoing a comprehensive rebuilding process, including strengthened ties with Toyota manufacturer partner Joe Gibbs Racing. The team currently fields John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones as drivers, with expectations for improved performance in 2026.
The timing of the expansion aligns with Legacy Motor Club's efforts to climb out of a prolonged victory drought. The team hasn't reached victory lane since Erik Jones's triumph in 2022, highlighting the challenges Johnson has inherited in his ownership role.
Meanwhile, Legacy's manufacturer teammates at 23XI Racing have demonstrated what's possible with the right resources and strategy. Co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing has already captured three wins in the first four races of 2026, representing a quarter of their all-time victory total.
23XI Racing currently operates three cars: Tyler Reddick in the No. 45, Bubba Wallace in the No. 23, and Riley Herbst in the No. 35. Their recent success provides a roadmap for what Legacy Motor Club hopes to achieve through its own expansion.
Legacy Motor Club brings substantial financial backing to support its growth ambitions. The team maintains partnerships with major brands including Mobil1, Carvana, and Dollar Tree, providing a foundation for the additional resources required to field a competitive third entry.
The driver market presents several intriguing possibilities for Legacy's third car. Riley Herbst emerges as a potential candidate if 23XI Racing opts not to renew his contract in favor of rising prospect Corey Heim. Kyle Busch represents another high-profile option, particularly if his situation with Richard Childress Racing doesn't result in an extension.
Other candidates include promising Toyota development drivers like Gio Ruggiero from TRICON Garage's Truck Series program and Taylor Gray, who competes for Joe Gibbs Racing in lower divisions. However, both may need additional seasoning before stepping into Cup Series competition.
For Johnson, the third car represents more than just numerical expansion—it's a crucial component of Legacy Motor Club's broader competitive strategy. Additional cars typically provide enhanced data collection, improved practice efficiency, and greater flexibility in race strategy development.
The announcement signals Johnson's commitment to transforming Legacy Motor Club from a struggling organization into a legitimate contender. With Toyota's support through the Joe Gibbs Racing alliance and substantial sponsor backing, the team appears positioned for its most ambitious chapter yet.
As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on Legacy Motor Club's performance with their current two-car lineup, as success this year could significantly influence their third car's prospects and driver options for 2027.