Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson recently shared insights about the future of Legacy Motor Club during an interview with former professional driver Paul Tracy on The RACER Channel. Johnson also outlined his intentions to continue racing selectively while focusing on expanding the team‘s presence within NASCAR.
Johnson launched his Cup Series career in 2001 with Hendrick Motorsports, where he stayed for nearly his entire professional tenure. Across 700 starts, he claimed seven championships, 83 wins, 233 top-five finishes, 375 top-ten finishes, and 35 poles. After joining Legacy Motor Club in 2023, Johnson has completed 14 race starts with the new team but has yet to score a victory.
When asked about Legacy Motor Club’s growth plans, Johnson provided a detailed response to Tracy:
“The team owner side and our focus and commitment to building a proper NASCAR program is taking all my time and effort. You know I’ll drive the car one more time this year at least, maybe another one later in the year, but it really has to help serve our greater cause as an organization.” —Jimmie Johnson
“Then just really trying to focus on building the team and getting it right, we also want to expand to a third car so that we can maximize everything within the NASCAR ecosystem. Then from there we need to think of our driver pipeline and how we’re going to bring along future drivers for Legacy Motor Club. Is that Xfinity, Trucks, Trans Am, down to Carding, like, where do we start, and how do we approach that in a smart fashion so that it’s really a large part of our focus right now,” he concluded.
Johnson’s Milestone 700th Start and Recent Race Incident at Charlotte
On May 25, 2025, Johnson reached a remarkable milestone by making his 700th NASCAR start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Despite this achievement, his race day ended prematurely after an accident on lap 112 of the 400-lap event. While navigating turn four, Johnson lost control of his car, spinning out and inadvertently involving Connor Zilsch and Cole Custer in the crash, forcing all three drivers to retire from the race.
Commitment to Racing Beyond 2025 and Expanding Legacy Motor Club
Although the 700th race at Charlotte is potentially Johnson’s last start this season, he has expressed a strong desire to continue competing in future NASCAR events. Speaking with Kelly Crandall of RACER.com, he revealed his enthusiasm for extending his time behind the wheel:
“It is part of our plan. We don’t have ’26 picked yet, but rest assured, there (are) more than 700 starts. I’m jumping up and down asking for more races than two.” —Jimmie Johnson
Since retiring from full-time stock car racing in 2020, Johnson spent two seasons competing in the IndyCar Series. His legendary NASCAR career earned him a place on NASCAR’s Greatest Drivers list and induction into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Strategic Vision to Develop Drivers and Strengthen Legacy Motor Club
Johnson’s approach to Legacy Motor Club centers on growing a competitive program supported by a solid driver development pipeline. The expansion plans to add a third car aim to enhance the team’s ability to compete at the highest level while nurturing talent through series like Xfinity, Trucks, and Trans Am. Johnson envisions carefully structuring this growth to ensure sustainable success and long-term impact within NASCAR.
As Johnson balances his remaining races with a growing leadership role, his commitment to strengthening Legacy Motor Club signals a promising future for the team and its place in the sport’s evolving landscape.
