Jimmie Johnson Set to Return to Hometown For NASCAR San Diego Weekend

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

On November 5, 2025 at BrandWeek in Atlanta, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson announced he will return to his California roots next June, as it is his intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event during the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Weekend.

 

The event, slated for June 19–21, 2026, marks NASCAR’s first-ever race at Naval Base Coronado, bringing the sport’s top stars to one of America’s most iconic coastal settings. For Johnson, born and raised in nearby El Cajon, California, the race represents a deeply personal “bucket-list” moment in a career already filled with milestone achievements.

 

 

“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible. I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track,” said Johnson. “So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality. To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”

 

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

“When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle,” Johnson added. “Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special.”

 

Carvana, a longtime partner of Johnson’s, will once again be along for the ride in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for this special “SoCal” appearance. The partnership continues a multi-year relationship built on creativity, authenticity, and storytelling—values that perfectly align with Johnson’s own legacy.

 

Seven-Time’s back in SoCal. ☀️

We’ll see you in Coronado, @JimmieJohnson! pic.twitter.com/4Y0hsLI6w9

— NASCAR San Diego (@NASCARSanDiego) November 5, 2025

Carvana will unveil the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE paint scheme that will compete in San Diego in the near future.

 

 

source: Legacy Motor Club Media

NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Joins Forces with Knighthead Capital Management, LLC in LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

The partnership with Knighthead is a game-changer for LEGACY MC," said Johnson.

 

Seven-time NASCAR champion and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (“LEGACY MC”) Jimmie Johnson announced today that LEGACY MC has joined forces with Knighthead Capital Management, LLC, on behalf of certain of its affiliates and accounts ("Knighthead") as a strategic partner. LEGACY MC, founded by entrepreneur Maury Gallagher, has entered its third full-time season with Johnson as a co-owner. Future-facing, with Knighthead’s partnership, LEGACY MC is poised to expand its competitive presence, global brand recognition, partnerships, innovation, and fan engagement.

 

As part of this strategic partnership, Knighthead will acquire a minority stake in LEGACY MC.

 

After 12 years of owning and operating the impressively successful GMS Racing team which competed in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity Series, Gallagher will take a step back from the day-to-day and assume an ambassador role with LEGACY MC. GMS Racing won five championships across the NASCAR Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. The team won 71 races in total and won 26 pole positions with many talented drivers. In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports, and Petty GMS Racing was formed. The team won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with driver Erik Jones in 2022 before striking a deal with Johnson and expanding to a two-car team for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. The team continues to tout the iconic No. 43 made famous by CLUB Ambassador Richard Petty “The King”, who recently celebrated 75 years in racing.

 

The partnership with Knighthead positions Johnson as LEGACY MC’s majority owner, solidifying his leadership and significant role in the team’s future.

 

Johnson stated, “I really have to thank Maury Gallagher for giving me the opportunity within the ownership space. He has been an outstanding partner, mentor and friend and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to work together, I’ve learned so much from him. As his professional career takes a different path, he can worry less about the daily team owner things and focus more on family and enjoying life.”

 

Chief Executive Officer Cal Wells III credits Johnson with his exceptional ability to network and secure strategic partnerships, a skill that has been pivotal in driving LEGACY MC’s growth and success.

 

“As one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, Jimmie’s leadership and his partnership-minded business prowess remain central to the success of LEGACY MC,” said Wells, III. “This partnership is an important step for this race team, and we are thrilled to welcome Knighthead to LEGACY MC," said Wells, III. "Each partner we add brings a unique set of strengths and insights that will help us build a long-lasting legacy in NASCAR and sports in general. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, enhance our competitiveness, and offer fans an experience unlike any other.”

 

Johnson feels the partnership with Knighthead will align LEGACY MC with entities across many platforms.

 

"The partnership with Knighthead is a game-changer for LEGACY MC," said Johnson. "Their expertise in navigating complex investment opportunities and success in sports will provide LEGACY MC with the resources and guidance needed to push for championships and solidify our place in NASCAR for years to come.”

 

Johnson continued, "Having Knighthead on board will not only strengthen our racing efforts but also enhance the fan experience and expand our reach in the global motorsports ecosystem, not limited to NASCAR.”

 

Founded in 2008, Knighthead Capital Management, LLC is an investment firm with deep expertise across a variety of sectors, including finance, sports, and entertainment. Knighthead’s diverse portfolio includes investments in HERTZ, JOTA Racing, Singer Vehicle Design, Revology Cars, and Birmingham City Football Club.

 

Tom Wagner, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Member of Knighthead Capital, shared his excitement for the partnership: "We are thrilled to partner with Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MC. NASCAR’s rich history and LEGACY MC’s ambition and innovation make it a unique opportunity. We're thrilled to collaborate with Jimmie and Cal to drive the team forward—both on the track and within the wider racing community.”

 

The partnership with Knighthead is effective immediately as LEGACY MC prepares to kick off the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season on Feb. 2, 2025, at Bowman Gray Stadium for The Clash, followed by the season-opener DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 16, 2025.

 

New season: Full throttle, full focus, straight toward our LEGACY. pic.twitter.com/cfzHA31R6U

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) January 28, 2025

About Knighthead Capital Management LLC

Knighthead was co-founded in 2008 by Tom Wagner and Ara Cohen and has grown to become a diversified asset management platform with an experienced team of investment professionals, specializing in fundamental analysis, operational and financial turnarounds and risk management. Knighthead’s long-term objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its clients while emphasizing the preservation of capital. Knighthead manages assets across a variety of investment vehicles including insurance asset management, real estate lending, and closed and open-ended vehicles.

 

About LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-founded by entrepreneur Maury Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Jimmie Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty - "The King" - serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

 

 

source: Legacy Motor Club Media

Matt Kenseth Joins LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™

Starts as Competition Advisor Immediately

Matt Kenseth with Jimmie Johnson

 

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™  today announced 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and 2003 Winston Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth as a Competition Advisor. In this role, Kenseth will provide guidance and strategy on the competition side, serving as a mentor to drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, as well as assisting the Club throughout its transition to Toyota for the 2024 season.

 

“Jimmie and I have so much respect for each other as both competitors and friends – we are alike in many ways and at similar points in our careers,” said Kenseth. “This is a great opportunity for me to be a resource for two extremely talented drivers and help on the racing operations side with this transition to Toyota. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”

 

Club co-owners Johnson and Maury Gallagher are optimistic about the alliance with Kenseth. As history goes, Johnson and Kenseth’s 2013 NASCAR Cup Series chase to the championship featured a spirited battle between the two drivers. Kenseth won seven races during that season – as opposed to Johnson’s six wins – but after chasing each other for several weeks - including a tie for the points lead leaving Martinsville Speedway - Kenseth finished second to Johnson in the standings and Johnson won his sixth career title.

 

“Not only is Matt an excellent driver and a fierce competitor, he’s also a great friend,” Johnson said. “This alliance makes so much sense. Matt is extremely smart, has worked with Toyota while racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, and is still as competitive as ever. He’s a natural-born athlete and as fit as I have ever seen him. I’m so glad he is willing to share his knowledge and experience with us, and we look forward to all Matt has to offer.”

 

Kenseth, who stepped away from full-time competition in 2020 has stayed busy with family, competing in the 2022 Boston Marathon where he finished with a time of 3:01:40, and celebrating his 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction. Over the course of his 20-year Cup Series career, Kenseth had 39 victories at 19 different tracks and won the 2003 Winston Cup Series Championship. Kenseth is a two-time DAYTONA 500 champion, the 2000 Rookie of the Year, a Southern 500 winner, a Coca-Cola 600 winner, and the 2004 International Race of Champions (IROC) champion. He qualified for the “NASCAR Playoffs” in 13 of 14 seasons attempted. In addition to his 39 wins, Kenseth recorded 182 top-five and 331 top-10 finishes in 697 starts, as well as 20 pole position awards.

 

Kenseth and Joey Cohen, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s vice president of racing operations, worked together at Roush Racing when Cohen was an engineer for the team.

 

“Matt is going to help make this transition to Toyota smooth,” said Cohen. “He is one of the best drivers out there, and even though he is no longer behind the wheel, his perspective and advice will be crucial heading into next season for both our drivers and crews.”

 

Kenseth will assume the role within LEGACY MOTOR CLUB immediately.

 

Announcing our Competition Advisor, Matt Kenseth! He is joining the Club effective immediately. Welcome 🤩https://t.co/FIGiqqwbCf pic.twitter.com/KDOTTAHrb2

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) October 10, 2023

 

source: Legacy Motor Club Media

Driver Noah Gragson Reinstated by NASCAR

Tuesday, a NASCAR spokesperson said that “Noah Gragson has completed diversity and inclusion training with our partners at RISE,” and that that group recommended his reinstatement, restoring his member privileges.

 

Noah Gragson has been reinstated by NASCAR after completing the diversity and inclusion training required following his indefinite suspension last month.

 

Gragson is clear to resume all NASCAR activity.

 

Legacy Motor Club suspended Gragson, a NASCAR Cup Series rookie who was driving the No. 42 Chevrolet, August 5. NASCAR followed with an indefinite suspension, while Legacy subsequently released Gragson from his contract altogether.

 

At the time Gragson stated: “I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple.”

 

Gragson’s social media activity brought an abrupt end to his season after it was revealed he had liked an insensitive meme on Instagram mocking the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer.

 

Josh Berry drove the No. 42 car at Michigan International Speedway the weekend of Gragson’s suspension, and he, Mike Rockenfeller and Carson Hocevar have taken turns at the wheel since. Next season, John Hunter Nemechek will return to the Cup Series as the team’s full-time driver.

 

Gragson’s future remains unknown. The 25-year-old moved into the Cup Series after four seasons in the Xfinity Series (earning 13 wins) and two full seasons with two wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.

 

pic.twitter.com/UuLYMfal76

— Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) September 12, 2023

Let’s wish this young driver the best in the coming future. (Remember Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR in April of 2020 only to come back and win the 2021 Cup Championship.)

 

 

 

source: MSN Media

Jimmie Johnson Chases Another 'Marquee' Victory

In Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway

 

Jimmie Johnson admits he’s bringing a different mentality to the track now than earlier in his career.

 

Now 47, and a rookie team owner with Legacy Motor Club, his focus has shifted to what’s best for his organization, and not necessarily what will benefit him the most behind the wheel.

 

Still, it was easy for Johnson to identify Charlotte Motor Speedway as one of his targets when making his limited driving schedule in the winter.

 

“For me it’s about the marquee races around the world,” Johnson said. “Daytona 500, Coke 600 – those are the marquee events.”

 

Charlotte’s all-time leader in NASCAR Cup Series wins with eight, Johnson can add another piece to his legendary resume with a victory Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 (6 p.m., Fox, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

 

Only Darrell Waltrip with five has more Coca-Cola 600 triumphs than Johnson’s four. Johnson won three consecutive Coca-Cola 600s from 2003-05, then added another in 2014.

 

In two starts this season with Legacy Motor Club (formerly Petty GMS Motorsports) in the No. 84 Chevrolet, he finished 31st at Daytona in February and 38th at COTA in March.

 

“I feel about as ill prepared for [Sunday’s] race as I’ve ever have,” Johnson said. “A couple hours [testing] in Phoenix is the only comparable oval experience I’ve had. We had 30 to 40 laps in a simulator and that’s been it. I want to survive the first stage [Sunday] and go from there.

 

“We are hopeful to have a good running. A top-10 or top-15 would be an awesome finish for us.”

 

Johnson’s primary concerns are improving the results of Legacy’s two full-time drivers, Erik Jones and Noah Gragson. The best performance this year from that duo is Jones’ sixth-place finish at Talladega in April. Jones is 25th in the Cup Series point standings while Gragson is 32nd.

 

“Erik continues to show just how good he is,” Johnson said. “He’s had challenging circumstances this year and he just stays focused and gets the job done. Noah, from afar, I wasn’t sure how seriously he took things. His desire and commitment to his craft is what has impressed me the most.

 

“We have a massive effort on our hands to figure out many ways to improve. I’m proud of everything going on. I can’t ask for more effort from everyone involved. We just need more consistency.”

 

Coca-Cola 600 practice and qualifying was scheduled to begin yesterday at 7 p.m. However, NASCAR canceled both NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. The starting lineup for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 will be set per the rule book. William Byron will start from the pole. Jimmie starts the race from the last position (37th).

 

After his Charlotte visit, Johnson doesn’t have much time to rest as he is scheduled to depart next week for France to participate in next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, another of his coveted global marquee events.

 

“It’s feeling very real,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity. I honestly don’t know what to expect. Right now, it’s great excitement and curiosity.”

 

Still, after his overseas adventure, it’s back to building Legacy’s foundation – with maybe some top finishes behind the wheel still in the future.

 

“It’s been an exciting adventure that I’ve embarked on here,” Johnson said. “It’s exciting to be in this new element. I truly feel like that I’m part of something that’s going to be a force in the future of NASCAR.”

 

A beautiful site this morning @CLTMotorSpdwy as our haulers roll in pic.twitter.com/r2V2mrHudS

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LegacyMotorclub) May 27, 2023

 

source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media

Legacy Motor Club ready to roll the dice at LVMS

Rookie Driver Noah Gragson Looking for First Cup Win

 

Two Las Vegans in search of their first NASCAR Cup Series victories have teamed up for their first race together on their hometown track this weekend, and nothing could top a win in Sunday's Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube.

 

Legacy Motor Club owner and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company Maury Gallagher and his rookie driver Noah Gragson are ready to put their car in Victory Lane and what better place than in front of friends and family.

 

"Staying local was very important to us, but with a track record like Noah's that just made our decision a lot easier," Gallagher said, "It’s exciting to see Las Vegas growing as a sports capital, but also as a place producing some of the best racers in our sport.”

 

Gragson brings a lot to the newly renamed team. Along with all his swagger comes a belt full of race wins and top-five finishes. Gragson mentioned that starting his first full-time season as a NASCAR Cup Series driver has been a challenge, but he's been lucky to have a mentor like 2004 NASCAR Champion and fellow Las Vegan Kurt Buschto teach him a lot about the sport, especially a lot about the track they call home.

 

"Coming back to my hometown is always good to see family and friends," Gragson said. "It's always great anytime I can get back here, and there would be nothing sweeter than to run well at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend."

 

Fans attending the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube will have a chance to meet Noah on race day from 10:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on the stage Q&A in the Neon Garage.

 

There’s no place like home! Right, @NoahGragson?

📍Las Vegas | @GoldenKnights pic.twitter.com/vw15llvBB5

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LegacyMotorclub) March 2, 2023

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media