Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most iconic figures, is facing blunt advice from fellow champion Kevin Harvick—step out of the car before it damages his legacy.
Johnson’s return to NASCAR with Legacy Motor Club (LMC) as both a driver and minority owner has been anything but smooth. Since coming back to stock car racing in 2023 after a two-year IndyCar stint, Johnson’s best finish in 11 starts has been a disappointing P28—a far cry from his dominant years.
Now, Harvick is publicly urging Johnson to hang up his helmet and fully embrace his role as a team owner, warning that his marketing appeal is fading fast and that performance still reigns supreme in NASCAR.
Harvick’s Brutal Advice: ‘The Sooner He Gets Out, The Better’
On a recent podcast appearance, Harvick didn’t sugarcoat his opinion on Johnson’s struggles.
“I think that the sooner he can get out of being in that car, the better off he is,” Harvick said. “I understand when we had the Xfinity teams, having to drive the car to lure the sponsor. But as far as the marketing side of things, at some point, it becomes about performance.”
The 2024 season has already raised major concerns for LMC, and Harvick believes Johnson staying behind the wheel is doing more harm than good.
Marketing vs. Performance: When the Brand Power Runs Out
Harvick pointed to Danica Patrick as a prime example of how sponsorships eventually fade when performance doesn’t match the hype.
“I think Danica Patrick was probably the best example of that. At some point, your marketing platform runs out,” Harvick explained. “I think performance trumps everything that you can do after consecutive years of not performing like you need to.”
This isn’t just about Johnson’s personal career—it’s about the future of Legacy Motor Club. Harvick believes that if Johnson doesn’t step aside and focus on fixing the team’s competitiveness, it could cost LMC dearly.
“They have to get the performance where they need to, or sponsorship becomes less and less and harder to sell,” Harvick continued. “Then it becomes harder to sell employees and harder to sell drivers. Everything that you need to run well is all about the people, and if you don’t have the money to pay the people, then it becomes harder and harder to get the performance where it needs to be.”
Is It Time for Johnson to Step Aside?
Johnson has already cemented his Hall of Fame legacy with seven championships and 83 career wins—but his return to racing hasn’t gone as planned. With LMC struggling and Toyota backing the team for the future, the focus needs to be on building a competitive car, not nostalgia-driven starts.
Harvick’s message is clear: If Johnson truly wants Legacy Motor Club to succeed, he needs to transition from racer to full-time owner—before it’s too late.
Will Johnson listen? Or will he keep chasing results that may never come?
