Kevin Harvick recently highlighted the significant influence Jimmie Johnson has on Legacy Motor Club’s progress, emphasizing Johnson’s daily involvement with the team. On Harvick’s Happy Hour, he praised the performances of Legacy drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, who finished third and fourth respectively at Darlington, crediting Johnson’s guidance for their strong showings and consistent improvement on the track.
Harvick explained that having Johnson’s presence at Legacy Motor Club headquarters every day offers irreplaceable leadership and expertise.
“That guidance and leadership from a seven-time champion, but also the owner, and having a presence there on a weekly basis, you can’t replace it,”
Harvick stated. He noted that Johnson’s firsthand experience behind the wheel allows him to better understand the challenges the drivers face, which translates into effective problem-solving and continuous learning during race weeks:
“Being able to have have been in the car and understand and what the things that they’re fighting, and that results directly into being able to watch, listen and learn just by doing that. When you’re there week after week after week, this is a problem-solving mission on a daily basis.”
Harvick added that the consistent support from Johnson has helped Legacy’s drivers remain competitive throughout races. He pointed to Darlington as a recent example, noting that both Jones and Nemechek raced in the top 10 for the entire event.
“We’ve seen steady improvement out of that organization,”
Harvick remarked, underscoring the positive momentum within Legacy Motor Club.
Jimmie Johnson’s Journey to Rebuild His Brand
Jimmie Johnson has been an owner of Legacy Motor Club since 2022, a role he took on shortly after concluding his full-time NASCAR Cup Series career. At that time, the team was known as Petty GMS Motorsports. Johnson’s on-track achievements include 83 Cup Series wins, 375 top-10 finishes, and a record seven Cup Series championships. He is honored in both the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Kevin Harvick reflected on a recent conversation he had with Johnson, in which the seven-time champion admitted he is working to strengthen his post-driving legacy within NASCAR.
“Now he’s almost rebuilding his brand,”
Harvick said. He pointed out how unusual it is to hear this from a seven-time champion but highlighted Johnson’s honest assessment. Johnson conveyed that even as a legendary driver, he has not yet fully capitalized on his status in the sport:
“He’s like, ‘I walk outside and I’m the third guy, but only two of the three seven-time champs have merchandise and a recognizable brand to be able to continue that tradition in the sport.’ He’s like ‘I just haven’t done a good job with that.’”
Legacy Motor Club’s Future and Continued Growth
Johnson’s active and hands-on ownership model offers the Legacy Motor Club not only valuable insights into racing strategy but also steady leadership that nurtures driver development. His role moves beyond the traditional ownership perspective, with direct involvement in daily operations and problem-solving efforts that help the team build on its recent successes.
As Legacy’s drivers continue to show consistent top-tier performances and the organization strengthens its presence in NASCAR, Johnson’s impact stands as a key factor in this positive trajectory. The club’s ability to maintain progress on race day and develop talent suggests that Johnson’s approach may set a new standard for how former champions extend their influence beyond their driving careers.
