NASCAR is a multi-faceted sport where various elements come into play to determine a team’s position on the grid. Teams focus on securing reputable manufacturers, optimizing their pit crews, and relying on their drivers, all of which collectively contribute to their success. Sponsors also hold a pivotal role within the sport, serving as the primary source of resources for teams. In some cases, drivers can draw in sponsors, providing teams with additional resources to enhance their cars and overall performance.

Indeed, when a driver comes from a business background, it can offer certain advantages. For instance, Jimmie Johnson strongly believes that having a driver with not only exceptional on-track skills but also off-track talents and a business background can significantly contribute to a team’s success.

Jimmie Johnson exposed the rare talent in his new driver, which he lacked

Noah Gragson’s suspension left a vacancy in Jimmie Johnson‘s #42 Camaro. Gragson requested to be released from his contract after the suspension. Legacy MC adopted a rotation driver strategy for specific races this season, with Carson Hocevar driving in upcoming races at Bristol and Kansas in round 16. However, the suspense ended when Legacy MC announced that John Hunter Nemechek would be driving the #42 car next year, which is noteworthy because LMC is switching to Toyota for the upcoming season.

John Hunter Nemechek has a strong racing lineage, with his father, Joe Nemechek, being a former NASCAR driver who also ran his own racing team, NEMCO Motorsports, focused on NASCAR. Team owner Jimmie Johnson sees this as an advantage.

During a conversation on “Next Level Extra,” the seven-time world champion mentioned, “You know when I came along it would have been great to have a sponsor or connections to sponsor to bring along but it really wasn’t required and I feel like maybe one of the last guys to get through just on to know team owner kind of believe in you or maybe manufacturer supporting you and kind of pushing down that road.”

“To see John Hunter has built around himself and awareness of sponsorships and how they work is, focus on God digital platform and you know how important that is to corporate America.”

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“For a guy that’s mid 20s really getting first start in the Cup series and I know he’s at front tire a little bit to be so buttoned up at this stage and I think it’s pretty rare and that’s what I’m really impressed with the people he surrounded himself with the business mindset that they all have and you combine that with what he’s doing with behind the wheel. You know he’s way ahead of where I was at 25”, Jimmie Johnson concluded.

Johnson opens up about the struggle of selecting a driver for the No. 42 car

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The team faced a challenging situation midway through the season, needing to find a driver for their #42 Camaro. Mike Rockenfeller and Josh Berry temporarily took the helm, but the primary concern was finding the right fit for the next year.

John Hunter Nemechek was the preferred choice for Legacy MC’s #42 car, although there were speculations about him potentially taking over the #19 car if Martin Truex Jr. decided to retire. Jimmie Johnson shed light on the selection process during the “Next Level Extra” podcast.

Johnson explained, “We found ourselves in a situation we didn’t expect to be in, this summer. When we needed a driver, the opportunity John Hunter really didn’t seem within reach, it really appeared that he was in line for the 19 car, if Martin Truex wasn’t going to return. Not that any of it was guaranteed, but that was the kind of conversation where things seemed to be heading. So, we really kind of went through our process in trying to find the right fit to drive the 42 car for us.

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He added, “And then next few weeks went by, things transpired in a way and some meetings took place and there was interest on both sides. And I really think that John Hunter, I’ve known him forever, for starters, and I have really respected his process and his pathway to grow and mature as a driver. I mean not only as a driver but also what he does off the track and how he handles himself from the business side.”

John Hunter’s current success in the Xfinity Series is promising, but only time will reveal how he performs in the Cup car. What do you think?