John Hunter Nemechek set to drive for Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy MC full-time in 2024 in the Cup series

John Hunter Nemechek is set to take the wheel of No. 42 which was driven by Noah Gragson before his suspension.

John Hunter Nemechek set to drive for Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy MC full-time in 2024 in the Cup series

John Hunter Nemechek (Via IMAGO)

John Hunter Nemechek, a driver fielded by Toyota, has officially declared his full-time return to the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2024 season. Behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet, he’s set to breathe new life into Legacy Motor Club, replacing Noah Gragson, who left the team in the wake of an indefinite suspension. Nemechek’s return promises a fresh start for both himself and the team.

Noah Gragson’s departure from Legacy Motor Club was precipitated by an indefinite suspension related to his online conduct. Gragson liked a racially sensitive post on Instagram that was associated with the death of George Floyd. The team cited a morality clause, emphasizing that drivers should not bring negative attention to the team or its sponsors. Although the suspension was open-ended, Gragson chose to part ways with the team.

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Nemechek’s journey is a tale of redemption and resilience. After a tough rookie Cup Series season in 2020, he took a strategic step back to rebuild. This led to two fruitful seasons with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series, where he secured seven race wins and became a Toyota development driver. He now continues this role with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series, where he’s excelled with five wins this year, currently ranking second in the standings.

Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by the legendary Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher, was on the cusp of a major transformation. The team had already revealed plans to transition from Chevrolet to Toyota for the 2024 season and has now chosen a driver that they back. This marked the end of Johnson’s longstanding Chevrolet affiliation, a relationship that had defined his illustrious NASCAR career. 

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John Hunter Nemechek’s father was a teammate of Jimmie Johnson’s in 2003

Joe Nemechek and John Hunter Nemechek
Joe Nemechek and John Hunter Nemechek (Credits: NASCAR.com)

Nemechek will be teaming up with Erik Jones, a fellow Toyota-favoured driver. Speaking about his contract, Nemechek shared in the press release, “To be able to announce my plans for next season so early and officially say I will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series relieves a lot of pressure,” he admitted. Reflecting on his journey, Nemechek shared that his stint in the Truck Series, where he secured wins and championships, ultimately paved the way for this exciting comeback.

The news of Nemechek’s return to the Cup Series was met with enthusiasm from Johnson, who not only co-owns Legacy Motor Club but also shares a unique history with Nemechek’s family. Johnson and Nemechek’s father, “Front Row Joe,” were once teammates at Hendrick Motorsports. The prospect of mentoring a promising talent like Nemechek excited Johnson, who anticipates great things from his new driver.

Jimmie expressed his enthusiasm for John Hunter Nemechek’s arrival, stating, “We’re excited to have John Hunter in the Legacy Motor Club family, and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the No. 42 next season.” Johnson’s confidence in Nemechek extended beyond the track, as he remarked, “He is impressive both on and off the track and will be a great ambassador.” Johnson’s words reflect the team’s high hopes for their new driver.

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