Photo courtesy of Chris Graythen | Getty Images
Petty GMS Motorsports said to save the date and did not disappoint with the news the team broke on Wednesday.
The team announced a major overhaul, starting with a brand-new name: Legacy Motor Club.
Fueling our legacy. The legacy we’ve built, and the legacy we’re building.
Introducing: Legacy Motor Club! pic.twitter.com/JpMddss1pD
— LEGACY Motor Club (@PettyGMS) January 11, 2023
This is the team’s second name change in as many years, previously being Richard Petty Motorsports before partnering with GMS after the 2021 season.
The change is meant to showcase the legacy the team has been built on with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty at the helm and the legacy the team hopes to create with the addition of Jimmie Johnson in an owner/driver role.
Johnson — a seven-time Cup Series champion himself — announced his involvement with the team during Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway in November.
Johnson appeared on the TODAY Show to discuss his return to NASCAR after two years in INDYCAR, as well as the meaning of the rebrand to Legacy Motor Club and how it came to be.
If you missed the big news on the @TODAYshow this morning, check it out! pic.twitter.com/zlzipYyD2q
— LEGACY Motor Club (@PettyGMS) January 11, 2023
“As we sat and tried to put together the team name … we just couldn’t find the right acronym or the right way to kind of put the names together,” Johnson said in a statement. “As we really thought about it. The legacy that Richard [Petty] has created, the legacy that [Maury] Gallagher has created in racing and business, mine, it just seemed like a great name and a great foundational point.”
Johnson cited the new legacies LMC drivers Erik Jones and upcoming rookie Noah Gragson want to create and the legacy he wants to build for himself as a team owner.
Petty also ensured that his name will live on with this change in a quote that was posted on his Twitter page.
“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." – Richard Petty
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) January 11, 2023
“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,” Petty said.
The rebrand announcement was paired with new information on Johnson’s role as a driver. Johnson will drive the No. 84 car for Legacy Motor Club in select races of the 2023 Cup Series schedule, starting with the Daytona 500 in February.
The wait is over, No. 84 is here with a slick new test scheme 🤩 pic.twitter.com/E2cqKXJIf8
— LEGACY Motor Club (@PettyGMS) January 11, 2023
The number for Johnson holds some added personal meaning for him. Not only is the number an inverse to the No. 48 that he drove during his Cup Series career, but Johnson enters the season tied for sixth all-time with Cale Yarborough with 83 career Cup wins, meaning a win in the No. 84 would be his 84th.
Carvana — Johnson’s primary sponsor in INDYCAR — will partner with him for the Daytona 500.
500 miles. 200 laps. An unforgettable race deserves an unforgettable driver – we’re thrilled to announce that @jimmiejohnson will partner with @gocarvana for this year’s Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/dYpfNvXkwK
— Carvana Racing (@CarvanaRacing) January 11, 2023
As a part-time driver, Johnson will not be a participant in the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 5, but the team will be there in full force with its No. 42 and 43 Chevrolet Camaros.
The 65th running of the Daytona 500 is set to kick off the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season on Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. EST. The race can be watched on FOX and listened to on Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
