Legacy Motor Club, the NASCAR team co-owned by seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, has announced a significant change ahead of the 2027 season. The team revealed on September 2 that John Hunter Nemechek will not be returning to drive the No. 42 Toyota next year. This decision comes as a surprise, especially since the team had recently secured sponsorship for Nemechek for the upcoming season.
In an official statement, Legacy Motor Club expressed gratitude for Nemechek's contributions over the past few years. "Legacy Motor Club has made the decision to part ways with John Hunter Nemechek at the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. We are grateful for John Hunter’s contributions to Legacy Motor Club and appreciate his professionalism and commitment to the organization throughout his time with the team. We remain focused on finishing the 2026 season strong together and wish John Hunter the very best in the future,” the statement read.
Nemechek, who has been with Legacy for three seasons, also shared his thoughts following the announcement. In his statement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received during his tenure. "I am incredibly grateful to Legacy Motor Club for the past three years. While I am obviously disappointed with their decision, I am as motivated as ever. It has been such an honor to represent Toyota, Legacy Motor Club, and all of their sponsors,” he stated. Nemechek emphasized his commitment to finishing the current season on a high note, stating, "For now, I’m going to hug my family, focus on putting together 10 great races to finish the year, and figuring out what comes next.”
Despite his potential, Nemechek has struggled to find victory in the Cup Series, with 139 races under his belt and only two top-10 finishes this season. His best results came at Watkins Glen, where he finished 10th, and Pocono, where he secured a fourth-place finish. The 29-year-old driver is the son of Joe Nemechek, a respected figure in NASCAR with numerous accolades in the second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Cup Series.
The future for Nemechek remains uncertain, particularly as the Cup Series landscape is relatively stable for the upcoming season, with few available seats. Meanwhile, Legacy Motor Club is also faced with the challenge of finding a new driver to fill Nemechek’s spot. Options could include promoting a young talent from the O’Reilly or Truck Series or considering Josh Berry, who currently drives the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers and is also looking for a new opportunity after being informed he would not return to his current team in 2027.
Berry has been on a remarkable run, achieving five consecutive top-10 finishes, a feat not accomplished by a Wood Brothers driver since 1994. His recent performances, including a victory at Las Vegas last season, have positioned him as a strong candidate for a competitive ride. Legacy Motor Club also fields the No. 43 Toyota, driven by Erik Jones, who is expected to return next season for his seventh year with the team.
Looking ahead, Legacy Motor Club plans to expand to three cars next season after acquiring a third charter from Rick Ware Racing. This new addition is anticipated to be filled by Riley Herbst, who currently races in the Cup Series with 23XI Racing. The team has also seen a boost in its ownership group, welcoming several high-profile investors, including celebrity chef Guy Fieri and two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper.
As Jimmie Johnson prepares for his final Cup Series race at the Daytona 500 next year, the team faces an important transition period. The decisions made in the coming months will be crucial for Legacy Motor Club as they aim to build a competitive lineup for the 2027 NASCAR season.
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