Jimmie Johnson Breaks Huge News for Upcoming NASCAR Team

In an interview with Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone, Johnson exclaimed, "Without question, we will have a third car on the grid next year." Johnson went on to further explain that, "All the benefits that come with running an additional car will help speed up our process."

One compatible new team for Legacy Motor Club is their OEM teammates at 23XI Racing. Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan branded their new team in 2020, and since then, they have expanded to three cars themselves, joining Riley Herbst's No. 35 with Tyler Reddick (No. 45) and Bubba Wallace (No. 23).

To start 2026, 23XI Racing has won three races out of the four run to date. That is 25% of their all-time win total. Legacy Motor Club has not found victory lane since Erik Jones achieved the feat in 2022. In year three of Johnson running the show in 2027, this team has its resources lined up to peak sooner rather than later.

The team previously owned by Richard Petty has plenty of big-buck partners to expand this endeavor. The team is currently sponsored by high-level brands such as Mobil1, Carvana, and Dollar Tree. With wins will come more sponsors. The expectation for Legacy Motor Club is to find victory lane in 2026. By doing so, they will increase their flexibility to attract additional sponsors, thus bringing in more money and better resources.

2027 Legacy Motor Club Driver Candidates

• Corey Heim — Toyota aligned, awaiting a ride with 23XI, but only if Riley Herbst exits the team post-2026.
• Taylor Gray — Top NOAPS driver for Joe Gibbs Racing; OEM aligned, but not team aligned. Lacks big success yet — less likely.
• Gio Ruggiero — Rising Toyota driver in the NCTS for TRICON Garage, may yet be too inexperienced.
• Kyle Busch — Toyota return? Richard Childress Racing extension grows unlikely, despite Busch aiming to stay around NASCAR until his son, Brexton, is of age.
• Riley Herbst — Brings big money and sponsorships as 23XI Racing may not resign in favor of Corey Heim; Toyota aligned.