Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, has returned to the United States with his family following a two-year stay in London, England. The move to London came after the passing of Johnson’s in-laws in 2023, initially planned as a one-year stay but later extended by another year.
Reflecting on his time overseas, Johnson shared in a conversation with Marty Smith how living in London allowed him and his wife Chani to experience a rare sense of calm. Johnson emphasized the value of those quieter mornings before work, a routine he now hopes to preserve after settling back in America.
Jimmie Johnson’s Desire to Maintain Quiet Mornings with Family
During the interview, Johnson revealed the importance of the peaceful hours he and Chani enjoyed while living abroad. He described these early mornings as a time for personal reflection and connection with his wife before the demands of the day took over.
“So, up get the kids to school and then from there, we had time. I had time to think. I had time to train. I had time to go to breakfast with my wife. We had ‘us’ time. And that is something I so desperately hope we can hang on to being back here. I think that was a real ‘aha’ moment for us.”
—Jimmie Johnson
This routine offered him the chance to balance his personal life and career ambitions in a way he hadn’t before, creating a new rhythm he values deeply now that he is back in the United States.
Transition From Racer to Team Owner Has Shifted Johnson’s Focus
The move to London also coincided with Johnson’s shift from competing as a high-performance race driver toward focusing on leading a professional racing team. He described embracing this new chapter as both challenging and rewarding.
“I really embraced this next opportunity I have in trying to build a race team and build a brand and the layers that go with that,”
—Jimmie Johnson
“I’m still as competitive, but it’s interesting. My focus has shifted in a different area.”
—Jimmie Johnson
Johnson’s passion for racing remains strong, but his priorities have evolved as he dedicates his energy to managing and growing Legacy Motor Club.
Johnson’s Future Plans: Continuing to Race and Expanding Legacy Motor Club
Although Johnson primarily serves as a team owner, he has continued to race whenever sponsorship opportunities align. Looking ahead, he is eager to keep competing and remain active behind the wheel when possible. Legacy Motor Club currently fields two charters, and Johnson is determined to acquire a third to expand the team.
He shared hopes for a greater involvement on the track, including grooming new team members, securing sponsorship, and giving experience to crew chiefs and drivers to strengthen the organization.
“We’re hopeful to have a third charter. Need to start building a team. There’s a chance that I run more races next year if we have a third charter on the docket and have a sponsor to bring along, team members to groom, a crew chief to get reps, a driver to get reps.”
—Jimmie Johnson
With his recent return to familiar surroundings, Johnson remains optimistic about reigniting his competitive edge and contributing both on and off the track for years to come.
