Jimmie Johnson presents LEGACY Motor Club

For this announcement, the two team owners Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson were accompanied by their prestigious ambassador, the “King” Richard Petty. Team LEGACY MC will enter two full-time cars next season for Noah Gragson in the #42 Chevrolet and Erik Jones in the #43 Chevrolet.

The passion for NASCAR as a legacy © LEGACY Motor Club

As he announced, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will participate in several rounds this season according to a schedule yet to be defined. The big unknown concerned his race number. Johnson has spent his entire career, whether in the NASCAR Cup Series or in Indycar, by displaying the now famous #48 on the sides of his car. But in NASCAR, these famous numbers are not the property of the drivers, but that of the teams, in this case Hendrick Motorsports for the 48. Despite the strong ties that unite Johnson with his former team, the latter could not give him the valuable racing number attributed to Alex Bowman since 2021. 

Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher © Chris Graythen/Getty Images

If it was once considered that Jimmie would wear the 43 that made the legend of Richard Petty, it was ultimately another solution, very ingenious in more than one way, which was chosen by LEGACY MC

Jimmie Johnson will wear number 84! In addition to reversing the numbers, this 84 is a personal challenge that Johnson is taking on since he has 83 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series to date.

The wait is over, No. 84 is here with a slick new test scheme 🤩 pic.twitter.com/E2cqKXJIf8

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) January 11, 2023

“After thinking about our new team name, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different. We felt it was important to have a name, LEGACY (heritage in French editor's note) which honors the past and projects us towards the future. The term "Motor Club" is a nod to automobile clubs of the past. Johnson said on MBC's Today this Wednesday morning before paying tribute to Richard Petty. “When I see the No. 42 and 43 cars, it doesn't matter who was the driver, currently is or could be. I want our fans to remember Petty's story with them, and that story will continue with LEGACY MC."

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