“We Weren’t Sure”- Jimmie Johnson Reveals Major Joe Gibbs Roadblock That Almost Jeopardized Legacy MC

Noah Gragson due to a reaction to a George Floyd’s death meme on Instagram got suspended for the current season, followed by a release from his contract with Legacy Motor Club. Meanwhile, in the middle of the season, the team’s co-owner Jimmie Johnson’s active search for a driver to take the wheel of the #42 Camaro became hectic. The car’s been undergoing driver rotations, especially as Legacy Motor Club is set to form a partnership with Toyota starting in 2024.

Jimmie Johnson just announced who would drive the #42 Toyota the following year. However, this decision was fraught with uncertainty until the deal was finalized. Recently, Jimmie Johnson also revealed how JGR nearly snatched his driver, shedding light on the intense negotiations.

Jimmie Johnson’s inside scoop on how JGR came close to stealing from Legacy Motor Club

Speculation had been circulating that Martin Truex Jr. might retire after the 2023 season and not return in 2024. However, in interviews, Martin Truex Jr. revealed that he was inclined to spend more time with friends and family and even consider purchasing a boat. A similar question loomed for Joe Gibbs: who will replace Truex Jr.?

Joe Gibbs’ Xfinity driver, John Hunter Nemechek, emerged as a top candidate to replace Truex if he were to retire, thanks to his impressive performance in the Xfinity series. Simultaneously, Jimmie Johnson with his search for a Toyota driver, led to Nemechek topping his list of potential candidates.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Truex Jr.’s future, Jimmie Johnson shed light on the situation during that period. Talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the seven-time world champion said, “It really was a kind of a reach for us we weren’t sure if would be available and do the relationship between JGR and its moments there that kind mapping and changing, there was gonna be a Cup ride opportunity for him or not.”

“So you know things kind of involved here in the last 4 to 6 weeks. That opportunity really came about and we surely feel like John Hunter is his prime and ready in the Cup Racing.” Jimmie Johnson concluded.

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This isn’t John Hunter Nemechek’s first foray into the Cup series, as he previously spent a season competing at that top-tier level.

A flashback: JGR’s driver’s incredible journey from adversity to a triumphant

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John Hunter Nemechek, a second-generation NASCAR driver, began his Cup Series journey with Front Row Motorsports in 2020. That year, he had a mediocre season with only three top-10 finishes. Subsequently, Nemechek made the decision to return to the Truck Series full-time and signed with KBM.

Nemechek’s performance in the Truck Series was outstanding, securing top-5 finishes in both the 2021 and 2022 championships. In 2023, Joe Gibbs Racing entrusted Nemechek with their Xfinity ride, where he currently holds second place behind Austin Hill. This has put him back on the radar for a potential return to the Cup Series, with another opportunity at Legacy Motor Club awaiting him.

“I think this opportunity for John Hunter is perfect, I actually think going to Gibbs, or Hendrick is a lot and it would put him right on the radar, I think his resume and Legacy [MC]’s resume and building of two together is going to be a perfect mix,” Letarte told on NBC show.

In the midst of these team changes, veteran Steve Letarte compared Nemechek’s journey to that of drivers like William Byron, Christopher Bell, and other playoff contenders. He emphasized that each driver’s path is unique, and greatness often stems from experience in various racing series. Not everyone achieves fame as early in their career as Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson did.

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Ultimately, only time will reveal how this transition will work out for John Hunter Nemechek, but it certainly appears to be a promising step in his racing career. What are your thoughts?