The last few years haven’t been easy for Jimmie Johnson. Despite running a part-time Cup Series schedule with Legacy Motor Club, results with the No. 84 car have left much to be desired. To put things into perspective, his recent third-place finish at the 2025 Daytona 500 was his only top-20 finish for the team that he co-owns, highlighting his struggles at NASCAR’s highest level. However, after an encouraging finish at the season opener, has the seven-time Cup Series Champion finally turned a corner?

With one more appearance due at the Coca-Cola 600 this year, time will indicate if Johnson and LMC have turned their fortunes around. However, the California native touched on the criticism he has received from fans for recent results in a candid interview.

Jimmie Johnson has a long-term vision for Legacy Motor Club

Jimmie Johnson is rewriting the script. After retiring from full-time racing in 2020, the legendary driver had struggled to get results as a part-time Legacy Motor Club racer in the last few years. The 49-year-old didn’t finish higher than 31st in 2021, prompting him to switch the manufacturer from Chevy to Toyota in 2024, but that didn’t result in a significant improvement either. However, a new year marks the start of new beginnings, and a third-place finish at ‘The Great American Race’ at the age of 49 wasn’t just a comeback performance, it was a statement to the rest of the NASCAR world.

Responding to the criticism about his No. 84 car not being competitive, Jimmie Johnson candidly said, “I don’t feel like I’m ruining my career, I feel like it’s something to be proud of. I truly enjoyed that.” Sharing his thoughts about owning a NASCAR team, the veteran racer said, “To drive, I wanted the experience to drive for my own team, even though I was a minority owner, I want to experience that. Then also, the benefits of trying to help grow the team, trying to bring sponsors in, there was another reason for it.”

Last year, Johnson took part in nine Cup Series races but failed to finish higher than 26th on the grid. While on-track results left much to be desired, the veteran racer made significant strides as a team owner, becoming the majority investor at Legacy Motor Club and attracting several new sponsors to the team. Sharing his thoughts about the vision for LMC, the California native said, “You know, trying to build something here. Now I think as time goes on people see the bigger vision and maybe it was just tough to see in 23′ I guess, 24′.”

Things are finally looking up for Legacy Motor Club. After several changes being made to the team’s structure last year and with Knighthead Capital Management coming in, Jimmie Johnson’s team looks stronger than ever. Erik Jones could have won the Duel if not for a late caution while Johnson secured his best finish at the crown jewel event since his victory in 2013. John Hunter Nemechek was also looking fast and competitive, notching up a 5th place finish at the ‘Great American Race’, indicating that LMC may have finally reached a turning point.

For fans who grew up watching Jimmie Johnson dominate the sport, watching him struggle during the transition from driver to team owner has been difficult. However, if the result at the 2025 Daytona 500 is anything to go by, the 49-year-old still has what it takes to compete at the highest level against the sports’ heavyweights. Looking ahead, his result at the Coca-Cola 600 will indicate if the season-opener performance was a one-off or if the 49-year-old has found his form once again.

Trending

1

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

2

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

3

Roger Penske’s Final Hopes Slipping Away as NASCAR Fans Prepare for Honda

4

Rick Hendrick Accused of ‘Burying’ Ross Chastain’s Real Persona as Fans Insinuate Trackhouse’s Exit From Chevy

5

Decades Later, Dale Earnhardt’s Bold Words Echo Amidst NASCAR’s ‘Hush Money’ Allegations

Rick Hendrick compliments Johnson’s NASCAR journey

It was a bold move. After all that he had achieved in the NASCAR world, the easiest thing for Jimmie Johnson to do would have been to retire gracefully and keep his illustrious legacy intact forever. However, the California native had different plans and wanted to make a mark in the sport he loves, but now as an owner. Despite his recent struggles at Legacy Motor Club, Rick Hendrick believes that the veteran racer has done an “excellent” job since he became co-owner.

Sharing his thoughts about Johnson’s ownership journey, the Hendrick Motorsports team owner said, “I know Jimmie Johnson well enough that, when he puts his mind to it, he’s going to work his b— off. And he’s done an exceptional job. He’s gone about it the right way. He built it a brick at a time. You try to get your base right, and you can grow it. Jimmie’s a leader, and his work ethic is so good. He will be a force in the sport because he will surround himself with good people.”

Few figures in the NASCAR world know Jimmie Johnson as well as Rick Hendrick. The racer competed for Hendrick Motorsports from 2001 to 2020, amassing 88 wins and seven Cup Series championships. While his ownership journey at Legacy Motor Club has been somewhat of a bumpy ride, the 49-year-old isn’t giving up just yet. While many think he’s ruining his legacy with an unnecessary transition as team owner, the veteran racer is simply fulfilling a childhood dream and adding new chapters to his illustrious career. Do you think Jimmie Johnson has what it takes to take Legacy Motor Club to the top? Let us know in the comments!