NASCAR wasn’t ready when Jimmie Johnson left in 2020. But the tides turned as he announced his return to the Cup Series, joining Petty GMS in 2022. If that sounded like good news for his fans, this qualifies as a step up – this is great news!
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
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In November last year, Johnson announced his return to the Cup Series in a press conference alongside Richard Petty. The press conference didn’t offer too much detail regarding the move, but one thing was sure – Johnson would be returning to the competition in 2023.
There were a number of variables and confusion. The announcement described his role at Petty GMS as a part-time owner and a part-time driver. How many races would he run? Which car would he use? All these questions lingered in fans’ minds.
Those questions were comprehensively and fully answered on January 11th, in a much-awaited appearance Johnson made on the TODAY Show. He revealed on the show that he will be taking up the #84 car and that the team – Petty GMS – was going to be renamed Legacy Motor Club.
NBC reported Johnson said: “After brainstorming about the new name of our team, (co-owner Maury Gallagher) 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.
The move completes the complete rejig of the team and the passing of the baton from Petty to Johnson. Without a doubt, Johnson has capable hands, and fans can expect good times in the future.
NASCAR approves the Jimmie Johnson rebranding
Fans have memories of seeing Johnson drive the #48 for Hendrick Motorsports. 2023 will change all of that. Legacy Motor Club and Johnson made the announcement on Twitter.
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
Fans were quick to let them know that they LOVED it!
What a sick name. https://t.co/pEebUSPAfy
— Loose Is Fast Podcast (@LooseIsFast_Pod) January 11, 2023
Pretty awesome new name for an iconic team. https://t.co/RqSiUPOd1u
— Jay W. Pennell (@jaywpennell) January 11, 2023
Building on our LEGACY! Huge news out of NYC today! #WeAreGMS https://t.co/YcmIqvEywm
— GMS Racing (@GMSRacingLLC) January 11, 2023
I absolutely love this name change! I am so excited to see what this team does this year. I forsee a stellar future for them all. Very rarely do I ever want team gear, but I'm gonna need ALL the things! https://t.co/eWDTZNSb9G
— AdaptivMom (@AdaptivMom) January 11, 2023
I think this is a badass rebranding no matter what anyone says. The name and logo tell you they’re not trying to prove anything by overdoing it. It’s the gold standard. I love it @PettyGMS. https://t.co/QFGuadQhWf
— Nick Olsen (@NickOlsen_) January 11, 2023
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Love it! 🏆👏
— Lionel Racing (@Lionel_Racing) January 11, 2023
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The announcement has rightly created plenty of buzz among NASCAR fans. Do you think Legacy Motor Club will have a good first season? Where do you think they’ll finish at the end of 2023?