Joe Hunter Nemechek to Legacy Motor Club

John Hunter Nemechek is set to make a return to the NASCAR Cup Series next season as he joins the No. 42 team, marking his third team change in the last four years. Currently in his debut full season with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series, Nemechek holds the second spot in the standings with just one race left before the playoffs commence.

The move to Legacy MC was announced on FOX Sports’ Race Hub news program, bringing significant excitement for the 26-year-old driver. Nemechek’s lone full season in the Cup Series was in 2020, when he drove for Front Row Motorsports’ No. 38 team. Following that, he joined the Toyota development pipeline, spending two seasons with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series before making the leap to the Xfinity Series with JGR. During the past three years, Nemechek has had a productive run, securing 13 of his 20 national series victories.

Regarding his plans for the next season, Nemechek expressed relief and excitement, mentioning, “There is so much to be done for next year, and this gives us the opportunity to get the news out there and move forward. Also, driving for Maury (Gallagher), Jimmie (Johnson), and Richard Petty is a dream come true for me.”

Co-owner Jimmie Johnson, who had previously been teammates with John Hunter’s father, Joe Nemechek, at Hendrick Motorsports in 2002 and 2003, welcomed Nemechek to the Legacy Motor Club family. Johnson emphasized Nemechek’s impressive performance both on and off the track and expressed anticipation about future competitions with Erik Jones as teammates.

Despite the team switch, Nemechek will maintain his affiliation with the Toyota camp. Legacy Motor Club had previously announced its intention to shift its manufacturer partnership from Chevrolet to Toyota for the 2024 season.

The team adjustment is primarily aimed at providing stability to the No. 42 team, which began the year with rookie Noah Gragson behind the wheel. Gragson’s suspension by NASCAR on August 5 for a member conduct violation led to his release from the team by Legacy Motor Club. Since then, the No. 42 Chevy has seen three different drivers take the wheel—Josh Berry and Mike Rockenfeller for two races each, and Truck Series regular Carson Hocevar in the most recent event at Darlington Raceway. Hocevar, aged 20, is also scheduled to drive the No. 42 in the upcoming Cup Series races at Kansas Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.

The organization is currently in its first season under the Legacy Motor Club banner, having undergone a transformation in the offseason with the addition of seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson to its ownership group.

Photo courtesy of NASCAR