Spencer Boyd, a Craftsman Truck Series driver, believes that NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson retired prematurely, despite Johnson’s seven championships and historic career. Boyd’s comments come amid Johnson’s return to racing in 2025 with Legacy Motor Club, where the seven-time champion and majority owner has faced considerable challenges adapting to the Next Gen car.
Boyd Reflects on Johnson’s Career and Early Retirement
Jimmie Johnson’s career was marked by dominance in NASCAR, including five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010 and a total of seven titles, securing his place on NASCAR’s Mount Rushmore. Johnson announced his retirement from full-time racing in 2019, aiming to end his career competitively. However, that final season did not meet expectations as he struggled to remain a championship contender.
Spencer Boyd, who has admired Johnson since his own racing journey began, expressed surprise that Johnson chose to step away at age 44, feeling that the NASCAR icon still had more years left in him. Boyd noted,
“I think Jimmie is one of the best ever to do it. We all know about that. I felt like he retired too early, obviously the last couple of years of his career didn’t necessarily go, I wouldn’t say bad, but just when you’re used to Jimmie competing for Championships, year in and year out, things were rocky, and then he’s jumped into this Legacy deal. Which I think is huge for the sport to have drivers like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Jr. in ownership,”
—Spencer Boyd, Craftsman Truck Series Driver
Boyd points out that Johnson’s final full-time years did not live up to his usual performance level, which likely influenced his decision to retire. After reaching his seventh championship in 2016, Johnson’s competitiveness waned, with his final seasons featuring mostly mid-pack finishes and fewer victories. Nonetheless, Boyd emphasizes the importance of Johnson’s transition into ownership alongside peers like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., viewing it as a positive move for NASCAR’s future.
Challenges and Triumphs in Johnson’s 2025 Return with Legacy Motor Club
Johnson’s comeback in 2025 as a part-time driver and majority owner of Legacy Motor Club—previously Petty Enterprises and Petty GMS Racing—has drawn significant attention. The team symbolizes a fusion of NASCAR’s rich history, with legendary names like Richard Petty connected to the organization, and the new generation of racing talent. Johnson’s involvement is seen as critical to the team’s evolution, especially as it shifted from Chevrolet to Toyota.
However, Johnson’s struggles behind the wheel of the #84 Toyota Camry have been noticeable, leading to frustration among fans and observers, including Boyd. Reflecting on Johnson’s performance this year, Boyd said,
“All these things are big and it’s the transition to the next era, but he hasn’t ran that great, which is frustrating. Even as someone who is a Jimmie fan, you’re like, ‘What’s going on with these cars? Why is Jimmie not running great?’ And then they had a good finish at Daytona, and that resparked life a little bit. I think it’s big when Jimmie comes back and runs,”
—Spencer Boyd, Craftsman Truck Series Driver
Though the transition to the Next Gen car has posed challenges for Johnson, moments like the strong showing at Daytona provide hope that he can regain competitiveness. With a shared passion for the sport, fans and team members are eager to see Johnson adapt and succeed once again.
Legacy Motor Club’s Place in NASCAR’s Evolution
Legacy Motor Club’s rebranding in 2023 represents a nod to NASCAR’s heritage while signaling a fresh start. Under Johnson’s leadership as majority owner, the team aspires to recapture past glories and navigate the shifts within the sport. Johnson’s experience is viewed as a valuable asset as Legacy Motor Club adjusts to new regulations and competition.
Johnson recently cleared speculation suggesting the 2025 season might be his last, reinforcing his intention to continue racing beyond this year. Seeking to leverage his knowledge during the transition from Chevy to Toyota, Johnson also aims to chase his 84th Cup Series win to equal Darrell Waltrip’s all-time victory count, adding another layer of motivation to his comeback.
Spencer Boyd’s Parallel Journey and Team Ownership Challenges
Inspired by Johnson’s career, Spencer Boyd has carved out his own path in NASCAR’s Truck Series, recently stepping into team ownership. Alongside co-owner Chris Miller, Boyd manages a single-truck entry, the #78 Chevy, in the competitive series. While the debut year presented hurdles, Boyd remains optimistic about progress during his second season.
Discussing the challenges of handling both driving and ownership responsibilities, Boyd explained,
“Last year being our first year full-time. Being a driver, owner, there were a lot of things I wasn’t expecting and prepared for. But I had some really good people around me, and I was able to learn pretty quickly. And now in our second year, things are more fluid. I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing. We are currently the highest independent team in the points, which is awesome,”
—Spencer Boyd, Craftsman Truck Series Driver and Co-owner
Boyd’s team has shown particular strength on superspeedway tracks, and their results this season have improved across varied circuits. With five top-20 finishes so far, Boyd feels a renewed sense of fulfillment racing on weekends now that he combines driving with team leadership.
Reflecting on his growth in the sport, he said,
“Been doing this a while, to be going to racetracks, getting my best finishes, definitely feels rewarding,”
—Spencer Boyd, Craftsman Truck Series Driver and Co-owner
Looking Ahead: The Future for Johnson and Boyd in NASCAR
As Jimmie Johnson navigates his ongoing comeback, his legacy continues to influence NASCAR’s landscape through both competition and ownership. His struggles with the Next Gen car raise important questions about how legends adapt to evolving technology and intensified competition.
Meanwhile, Spencer Boyd’s rise as a driver-owner symbolizes a new generation stepping forward in NASCAR, blending youthful ambition with respect for past icons like Johnson. Boyd’s steady progress in the Truck Series and his reflections on Johnson’s career underscore a shared passion for growth and success in the sport.
Given Johnson’s determination to continue racing past 2025 and his ownership role at Legacy Motor Club, fans and analysts will closely watch his future performances. Johnson’s quest to match Darrell Waltrip’s record and the dynamic shift at Legacy Motor Club promise to shape NASCAR’s competitive scene in the coming years, just as Boyd’s trajectory suggests fresh talent is ready to make a mark.
