This Wednesday morning, NASCAR team owners Maury Gallagher, Jimmie Johnson and team ambassador Richard Petty have announced that Petty GMS has changed its name to Legacy Motor Club.
“After brainstorming about the new name of our team, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different,” says Johnson. “We felt it was important to have a name that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past.”
Legacy Motor Club is fielding two full-time cars in the NASCAR Cup Series: Noah Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet and Erik Jones in the No. 43 Chevrolet, with seven-time Cup Series champion Johnson driving part-time during the 2023 season.
“When I see the No. 42 & 43 cars, no matter who the driver was, is currently, or could be in the future, I want our fans to remember the Petty history that comes with them, and that history will continue to be made with LEGACY M.C,” says Richard Petty.
On November 4, 2022, Petty GMS owner Gallagher and chairman Richard Petty announced that Johnson was coming aboard as part-owner and would drive select Cup Series races during the 2023 season. Johnson retired from NASCAR after the 2020 season and drove in the IndyCar series for Chip Ganassi Racing during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“We made great strides throughout the 2022 season — winning the Southern 500 with Erik at Darlington and bringing Noah into the team for 2023,” says Gallagher. “With the addition of Jimmie in an ownership role, we knew change was inevitable with his experience and knowledge. Our goal is to win races, win championships and to represent our partners by performing at the highest level. The new image of Legacy M.C. is something that will allow us to stand out and foster a team environment that breeds success.”
During today’s announcement, Johnson answered one of NASCAR’s burning questions: What number would he race with in his return to the Cup Series? To mirror his iconic No. 48 Chevrolet with Hendrick Motorsports, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion went with 84.
“I’m looking forward to a new era in the No. 84 Chevrolet with Legacy M.C. and getting a shot to drive the new Next Gen car this season,” adds Johnson.
Legacy Motor Club makes its on-track debut in the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
