Retired seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has shared insights into his decision to return to racing as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club (LMC), alongside fellow legend Richard Petty. Johnson explained how his passion for competition found a new outlet through ownership, fulfilling the competitive spark he once thought was exclusive to driving.
In a recent interview with motorsports insider Jeff Gluck for The Athletic, Johnson, who formerly drove the #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, detailed why he embraced the role of a team owner after hanging up his helmet. Seeking to replace the adrenaline and challenge lost after retiring from full-time driving, Johnson discovered that overseeing a team offered a different but equally intense kind of competition.
Initially, Johnson believed he needed to be behind the wheel to satisfy his drive for competition. However, observing his Legacy Motor Club drivers, Erik Jones (#43) and John Hunter Nemechek (#42), battle for wins, along with managing the broader responsibilities that ownership entails, has proven otherwise. This fresh perspective revealed to Johnson that the competitive influence extends far beyond the racetrack.
Reflecting on his journey, Johnson credited his former team owner, Rick Hendrick, for helping him realize the vast scope of competitiveness inherent in being an owner. Johnson said in The Athletic interview:
“Watching our cars fight for wins recently filled a bucket in a way I wasn’t prepared for. I always thought I had to be the one holding the wheel, but now seeing the team compete is incredibly fulfilling. Ownership is so competitive — not just what you see on track Sunday afternoons. There’s competition for your workforce, for sponsors. We’re racing and competing in every area of the business. I’ve got all the steering wheel I need now to fulfill that competitive drive. The more I get into this, the more I realize Mr. Hendrick was right all along.”
-Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion and Co-owner of Legacy Motor Club
Although Johnson has stepped back from full-time racing, he remains active behind the wheel for LMC in select events. In 2025, he drove the #84 car in the prestigious Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. His performance at Daytona marked a highlight, securing a third-place finish, his best result in the NextGen car series to date.
Legacy Motor Club’s Progress in the 2025 NASCAR Season
Under Johnson’s ownership, Legacy Motor Club has made notable strides in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones have improved their standings, currently positioned 22nd and 23rd in the points race, respectively.
The progress is significant compared to last season, where Nemechek ended 34th in the standings, and Jones finished 28th. So far in 29 races, the two drivers have combined their skills to achieve six top-five finishes—an encouraging sign as the season unfolds.
This upward trend demonstrates how Johnson’s leadership and experience have translated into meaningful advancement for the team. The blend of seasoned drivers and sharpened team management underlines a promising future for Legacy Motor Club.
The Impact of Ownership on Johnson’s Competitive Spirit
Jimmie Johnson’s transition from driver to co-owner has reignited his competitive energy in unexpected ways. His appreciation for the multifaceted challenges of ownership—from managing personnel to securing sponsors—reflects a deepening understanding of the sport’s wider ecosystem.
This evolution not only satisfies Johnson’s desire for competition but also enhances his influence within NASCAR, shaping the sport’s next chapter. His experiences affirm that competitive passion can thrive beyond the driver’s seat, inspiring other retired racers considering ownership roles.
As Legacy Motor Club continues to refine its approach and performance, Johnson’s commitment signals ongoing dedication to both his team and the broader NASCAR community. The impact of his journey from champion driver to passionate team owner will likely resonate across the racing world for years to come.
