STATESVILLE, N.C. — A new era is coming for one of NASCAR’s most storied teams.
NASCAR Cup Series team owners Maury Gallagher, Jimmie Johnson and team ambassador Richard Petty announced Wednesday that the organization will officially change its name from Petty GMS to LEGACY Motor Club moving forward.
LEGACY M.C. will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series teams featuring rookie Noah Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet, Erik Jones in the No. 43 Chevrolet and a part-time entry for seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Johnson.
“Just over a year ago, I had the opportunity to acquire Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Gallagher. “We made great strides throughout the 2022 season – winning the Southern 500 with Erik at Darlington (Raceway) and bringing Noah into the team for 2023. With the addition of Jimmie in an ownership role, we knew change was inevitable with his experience and knowledge. Our goal is to win races, win championships and to represent our partners by performing at the highest level. The new image of LEGACY M.C. is something that will allow us to stand out and foster a team environment that breeds success.”
Johnson unveiled the team’s new name and logo on NBC’s “TODAY” show Wednesday morning in New York City.
“After brainstorming about the new name of our team, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different,” Johnson said. “We felt it was important to have a name (LEGACY) that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past. LEGACY M.C. will be an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast. I am excited to be a part of a story so rich in heritage and look forward to creating a new legacy in this sport outside of the race car.”
“As we were all talking about creating a new name for the team, we looked at Jimmie, myself, and Dale Inman – that’s 22 championships – so there couldn’t be a better name to fit our race team than LEGACY,” Petty said. “The ‘Motor Club’ is a perfect fit because we want our fans to pull for the whole team.”
“When I see the No. 42 & 43 cars, no matter who the driver was, is currently, or could be in the future, I want our fans to remember the Petty history that comes with them, and that history will continue to be made with LEGACY M.C.”
Additionally, Johnson also answered the much-anticipated question of which number he would compete with in 2023. The 83-time NASCAR Cup Series winner will campaign a limited driving schedule in the No. 84 Chevrolet, starting with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 19.
Johnson will announce the remainder of the races that he is scheduled to compete in at a later date.
“I’m looking forward to a new era in the No. 84 Chevrolet with LEGACY M.C. and getting a shot to drive the new Next Gen car this season,” said Johnson.