“It’s a War!” Jimmie Johnson Spill the Beans on Real NASCAR Business Dynamic

Seven times NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson made a surprising comeback to the sport in 2023, after a two-year IndyCar stint, becoming a minority owner/driver for Petty GMS Motorsports. Under his leadership the team have made significant changes, with the rebranding to Legacy Motor Club and move to Toyota being the highlight.

The veteran who has now become one of the majority owners of the team recently talked about the challenges of running a Cup team in the Autosport Business Exchange in New York. One key factor behind his success is his ability to have people he can trust in the significant positions of the hierarchy. It is something he learned from his successful years as a racer with HMS.

There’s still a long road ahead. We’ll see what happens. But, you know, I’ve been mentored throughout my career and have really tried to set up a structure where people I really trust are helping me grow and evolve in this space. And, you know, thankful for the journey, learning so much every single day.

Jimmie Johnson said recently.

Another key factor from his racing background that has helped Jimmie Johnson to remain at the top as an owner is his competitive nature. Evry team in the garage is fighting each other to secure the best deals from the limited driver, crew and sponsorship pools in the sport. In the words of the former champion, it is a war.

I’m also a competitor at heart. And I have to say, I never appreciated the race within the race. I had the great fortune of holding the steering wheel and understanding that competitive lane. But, man, the commercial competitive space and fighting for sponsorship, fighting for personnel, it’s a war. It’s a whole different race.

Jimmie Johnson added via motorsport.com.

Jimmie Johnson reveals challenges of managing expanding LMC

In the same conversation later, the veteran talked about the challenges he faces running Legacy Motor Club, a team that is constantly expanding and is on the rise. He is tasked with keeping the harmony among different departments, which is paramount to success.

When you look at your competition department, your business ops, and how all of that, you know, fits together and how harmonious it all needs to be for success. You know, within success, I firmly believe in this — it’s people.

Jimmie Johnson said.

The veteran highlighted how adding one more car to their garage for the 2027 season will expand their crew to 215 and how it’s going to add another layer challenge. So far, the Hall of Famer have been successful in making sure his crew is fighting together towards one goal.

We’re now approaching 215 people within Legacy as we expand to our third program for next year. It’s a lot of babysitting. It’s a lot of layers. It’s a lot of stuff. And it’s all people. And trying to have people bond and find a common goal and work together is quite the challenge.

Jimmie Johnson added.

Comments from the veteran racer are on point and shows how even for the biggest competitor in the sport, being a leader running the team is a much bigger challenge. The 2027 season would see Johnson embrace the role more, as the next season’s Daytona 500 will be his final race in the Cup.

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