Jimmie Johnson Pens Heartfelt Message As Former HMS Employee Reunites With Legacy MC Owner

Jimmie Johnson has been kicking off a new chapter with his Legacy Motor Club squad, rallying talents like John Hunter Nemechek and Eric Jones under his banner since 2022. However, it looks like the bond he forged during his 16-year stint with Hendrick Motorsports isn’t fading anytime soon. It’s no surprise that Jimmie Johnson’s heart still beats a little faster than his old teammates.

Evidence? As per the latest update, Jason Burdett, a familiar face from Johnson’s Hendrick Motorsports days, is gearing up to join forces with him at Legacy Motor Club. Burdett, who’s been turning heads as Brandon Jones’ crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s JR Motorsports team this year, brings a track record of impressive achievements. Under his guidance, Jones raced to 3 top-5 finishes and 10 top-10 placements. Since revving up his career in 2015, Jason Burdett has notched up an enviable tally of 18 series victories.

Jason Burdett will be the full-time crew chief for Jimmie Johnson

Jason Burdett is gearing up for an adventurous ride as the dedicated crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, who will be taking the wheel part-time this coming season. The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series will see the former teammates rev up for the No. 84 Toyota at Legacy Motor Club. Johnson couldn’t contain his excitement on Twitter; however, he posted a heartfelt message about reuniting with his favorite Jason Burdett.

“Excited to work with Jason again. Looking forward to the experience he can bring to the @LEGACYMotorClub team,” Jimmie Johnson tweeted, along with two pictures of himself with Jason Burdett. Nevertheless, the reunion isn’t just about old times; it’s a strategic move as the team transitions from Chevrolet to Toyota in the off-season. 

Jason Burdett’s journey with Jimmie Johnson dates back to their Hendrick Motorsports days, starting in 2001. He will be stepping into Todd Gordon’s shoes, who was the crew chief for Johnson’s trio of races last season. Also, the club has already marked the calendar for Johnson’s appearances at Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, with AdventHealth waving the sponsorship flag. AdventHealth has previously partnered with Trackhouse Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing. Next year, they will also be sponsoring Erik Jones’ No. 43 car.

To add more to Jason Burdett’s motorsports saga, he began as a tire specialist with Robert Yates Racing in 1995, having cut his teeth on New York’s short tracks. He played a pivotal role in Dale Jarrett’s 1999 championship with Robert Yates Racing and Jeff Gordon‘s 2001 triumph at Hendrick Motorsports. Apart from a brief stint at Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007, Jason Burdett was a mainstay at HMS before joining JR Motorsports in 2015.

During his nine seasons at JR Motorsports, 7 of which he spent as Justin Allgaier‘s crew chief, Burdett celebrated 18 wins, earning the title of the organization’s most successful crew chief. In his words, “I’m excited to join Legacy Motor Club and reunite with Jimmie. I was part of Jimmie’s team when it all began and witnessed his first win in 2002. I am amazed at the Legacy Jimmie has created throughout the years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing that Legacy with him.”

Watch This Story: Jimmie Johnson Reveals His Favorite NASCAR Moment of the Year

Jimmie Johnson also echoed the sentiment, reflecting on their shared history at Hendrick Motorsports. “I have a very long history of working with Jason at Hendrick Motorsports — we spent a lot of time together throughout the years. Jason is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in the sport; he’s solid, and he’s created an amazing Legacy for himself. I’ve always had a great working relationship with him, and I’m just genuinely excited he has joined the Club.”

In addition to these changes, Evan Bensch, formerly an engineer with the No. 43 LMC team, steps up as lead engineer, while Robbie Fairweather continues as the No. 84’s car chief. Yet, amidst all the racetrack and team’s success, Johnson tips his hat to his family, the cornerstone of his NASCAR achievements.

Jimmie Johnson tips his hat off to his family for his NASCAR success

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Jimmie Johnson, in a heart-to-heart on “The Artist and The Athlete,” just a few years ago, lifted the curtain on the bedrock of his NASCAR triumphs—his family. He shone a spotlight on the unwavering support from his wife, Chan, and their daughters.

“At the core of it, I’ve had so much support from Chan [his wife Chandra Janway] and my girls, their love, their pride, their involvement has probably not been spoken about enough and has been mentioned. It’s usually always about the team and the performance. But the only way I can puff my chest up in that race car is by knowing things are locked down at home and I have that care and support and care and love in that system behind me. […] So, that’s really the backbone to it all.”

With the team welcoming a new face, hopefully, 2024 will be better than this year. Maybe the next one is the year they break through to the fourth championship, riding on strength.

Read More: Jimmie Johnson Bids Farewell to His Championship-Winning Manufacturer as He Shifts Alliance to Toyota