NASCAR: Petty GMS Racing becomes Legacy Motor Club

Jimmie Johnson, seeking his 84th career Cup win, will drive the No. 84 in Cup this season, he announced Wednesday on NBC’s “TODAY” show.

It also was announced that Petty GMS, the team Johnson will drive for and is a co-owner of, will change its name to Legacy Motor Club.

“After brainstorming about the new name of our team, (co-owner Maury Gallagher) and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different,” Johnson said in a statement.

“We felt it was important to have a name (Legacy) that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past.

“Legacy M.C. will be an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast. I am excited to be a part of a story so rich in heritage and look forward to creating a new legacy in this sport outside of the racecar.”

Said Petty in a statement: “As we were all talking about creating a new name for the team, we looked at Jimmie, myself, and Dale Inman – that’s 22 championships – so there couldn’t be a better name to fit our race team than Legacy. The “Motor Club” is a perfect fit because we want our fans to pull for the whole team.

“When I see the No. 42 & 43 cars, no matter who the driver was, is currently, or could be in the future, I want our fans to remember the Petty history that comes with them, and that history will continue to be made with Legacy M.C.”

“I’m looking forward to a new era in the No. 84 Chevrolet with Legacy M.C. and getting a shot to drive the new Next Gen car this season,” Johnson said in a statement.

Team Press Release

NASCAR team owners Maury Gallagher, Jimmie Johnson and team ambassador Richard “The King” Petty announced today the organization will officially change its name from Petty GMS to LEGACY Motor Club moving forward. LEGACY M.C. is home to two full-time NASCAR Cup Series teams featuring rookie Noah Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet and Erik Jones in the No. 43 Chevrolet as well as a part-time entry for seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Johnson.

“Just over a year ago, I had the opportunity to acquire Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Gallagher. “We made great strides throughout the 2022 season – winning the Southern 500 with Erik at Darlington and bringing Noah into the team for 2023. With the addition of Jimmie in an ownership role, we knew change was inevitable with his experience and knowledge. Our goal is to win races, win championships and to represent our partners by performing at the highest level. The new image of LEGACY M.C. is something that will allow us to stand out and foster a team environment that breeds success.”

Johnson unveiled the team’s new name and logo on NBC’s “TODAY” show Wednesday morning in New York City.

“After brainstorming about the new name of our team, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different. We felt it was important to have a name (LEGACY) that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past. LEGACY M.C. will be an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast. I am excited to be a part of a story so rich in heritage and look forward to creating a new legacy in this sport outside of the racecar.” said Johnson.

“As we were all talking about creating a new name for the team, we looked at Jimmie, myself, and Dale Inman – that’s 22 championships – so there couldn’t be a better name to fit our race team than LEGACY. The “Motor Club” is a perfect fit because we want our fans to pull for the whole team.” remarked Petty.

Additionally, Johnson also answered the much-anticipated question of which number he would compete with in 2023. The 83-time NASCAR Cup Series winner will campaign a limited driving schedule in the No. 84 Chevrolet, starting with the DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 19. Johnson will announce the remainder of the races that he is scheduled to compete in at a later date.

“I’m looking forward to a new era in the No. 84 Chevrolet with LEGACY M.C. and getting a shot to drive the new Next Gen car this season,” said Johnson.

The NASCAR Cup Series season will begin in Los Angeles, California at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, February 5th for the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. Tune-in to FOX at 8:00 PM ET as LEGACY Motor Club makes its highly-anticipated official on-track debut in the exhibition race ahead of the 65th-annual DAYTONA 500.

January 11, 2023

Prior to the start of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, Petty GMS Motorsports is undergoing a shakeup of its leadership structure.

Bruce Mosley, a former executive at Roush Fenway Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing and most recently president of Violet Defense, is slated to take on an executive role at what is currently known as Petty GMS, multiple sources confirmed to Motorsport.com.

Mike Beam, who led GMS Racing’s NASCAR Truck Series team to two series championships, will continue in the role of team president, a position he has held since GMS Racing’s acquisition of the former Richard Petty Motorsports in 2021.

An announcement about Jimmie Johnson driving part-time this year is also rumored to be forthcoming.

Petty GMS Motorsports and Jimmie Johnson have come together for the 2023 season and beyond after the two sides announced a partnership that will see the seven-time champion as an owner/driver for the organization.

At the time, the team did not give much info regarding Johnson’s car number, sponsors, or schedule. It has been rumored the 47-year-old driver could run the No. 49 or No. 84 car but nothing is official yet.

The 2023 Daytona 500 is also the only known race on an expected five-race schedule for the upcoming season. However, the speculation might be coming to an end sooner rather than later.