When Jimmie Johnson returned to NASCAR as a team owner, it wasn’t just about reliving the glory days of his seven championships. It was about building something bigger, bolder, and lasting. Legacy Motor Club, the team he co-owns with Maury Gallagher, has been undergoing a major transformation—a new manufacturer in Toyota, a fresh lineup of drivers, and a sharp focus on the future.

Johnson’s not here for half-measures. He’s there to create a winning culture and every move he’s made screams that he’s playing the long game. But even with all the changes happening at Legacy, one recent addition has the potential to be the game-changer they’ve been waiting for. And it’s not just any hire—it’s Travis Mack, a crew chief with the kind of resume and reputation that could help make Legacy’s vision a reality.

Meet Travis Mack: Legacy’s new playmaker

Travis Mack isn’t a stranger to success in NASCAR. The 41-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, has done it all—winning ARCA championships, working alongside legends at Hendrick Motorsports, and earning a Cup Series win with Daniel Suárez in 2022. And now, he’s joining Legacy MC as the crew chief for the No. 42 car, driven by rising star John Hunter Nemechek.

But Mack’s journey to this role wasn’t exactly planned. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Mack shared how this opportunity came out of the blue. “I was coming to the end of the year just wondering what I was going to be doing next year. And all of a sudden, the phone rings, and it’s Jimmie Johnson. That’s the one I’m picking up!”

Mack couldn’t say no to Jimmie Johnson’s persistence, either. “After several phone calls—him calling on a daily basis—I talked to those guys and liked what they have going on. I’m excited to join Legacy.”

For Mack, joining Legacy MC represents a big shift—not just in his career but in manufacturer loyalty. After spending two decades working with Chevrolet teams, this move to Toyota is uncharted territory. But Mack’s all-in on the challenge. “This is totally new for me, switching manufacturers to Toyota and getting to learn that,” he said. “I’ve been kind of sitting at home for about a month now, so I think all the honey-do lists are done. I’m ready to get back to work.”

Why Mack is exactly what Legacy MC needs

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Let’s not beat around the bush: Travis Mack is a big deal. His career has been all about results. He’s called 156 Cup Series races, racking up a win, 11 top-fives, and 31 top-10s. But more than the numbers, Mack brings a level of experience and adaptability that Legacy desperately needs as they try to reinvent themselves.

Mack’s worked with some of the best in the business—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, and Shane van Gisbergen, just to name a few. His time at Hendrick Motorsports, where he served as car chief for Earnhardt’s No. 88 team, wasn’t just about turning wrenches. It was about learning what it takes to build a winning operation from the ground up. Now, he’s ready to take that knowledge and apply it to Legacy’s rebuild.

“I’m looking forward to helping Legacy Motor Club build something great,” Mack said. “There are a lot of talented people here. I worked with Jimmie at Hendrick, and I know his work ethic and determination. His vision for the club is really exciting, and I’m ready to get to work.”

Legacy’s leadership knows how important Mack is to their plan. Joey Canter, Legacy MC’s Senior Vice President – Sporting Director, didn’t mince words: “As we continue to make changes and evolve on the competition side, the goal is to place the right people in the right places. That will take some time, but we are thrilled to have a talent like Travis on board.”

But let’s not forget the driver Mack will be working with. John Hunter Nemechek is coming off a stellar Xfinity Series season, and pairing him with a seasoned, no-nonsense crew chief like Mack could be exactly what the No. 42 team needs to turn potential into performance.

“I’ve already had my offseason, and I’m ready to get after it,” Mack said, his excitement practically jumping through the airwaves.

It’s that kind of enthusiasm and drive that Legacy is banking on as they turn the page to a new era. Jimmie Johnson isn’t just trying to win races; he’s trying to redefine what this team can be. And with people like Mack in the fold, the pieces are starting to come together.