Seven times Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson, has left both racing enthusiasts and pop culture fans in suspense after a teasing exchange with Legacy Motor Club’s owner and driver, John Hunter Nemechek. The Instagram video showcased an interesting generational divide that soon escalated into an exciting hint of things to come. This has led to widespread speculation amongst fans over an imminent thrilling collaboration, with the upcoming Vegas race providing an opportune stage for the reveal.
Johnson is renowned for his passion for music. His El Cajon, California upbringing led to an early exposure to country music and classic rock, which shaped his musical preferences. As a fan of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and George Strait, Johnson’s music taste aligns with his cool, collected demeanor. Before races, he often indulges in these soothing tunes to maintain focus. His interactions with music icons like Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney further highlight his inclination towards the music industry.
Given his musical inclination, it’s not surprising to learn that Johnson is hinting at a partnership with none other than the world-famous Backstreet Boys. This speculated collaboration surfaced when Nemechek questioned Johnson about his current playlist. Rather than answering directly, Johnson responded by teasing Nemechek about his unfamiliarity with a CD player, and potentially, a certain band.
The conversation took place against the backdrop of the Backstreet Boys’ song, “Larger than Life.” Further fueling the rumors, Legacy Motor Club captioned the video with, “Something larger than life is coming to Vegas…#BSBSphere.” The Backstreet Boys’ official Instagram also chimed in with a cryptic “Sounds familiar.” These hints suggest a possible collaboration brewing ahead of the much-anticipated Pennzoil 400 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The Backstreet Boys are slated to be the first pop act to perform at the Sphere in Las Vegas later this year, featuring nine performances and a revival of their legendary ‘Millennium’ album. This has led to speculation that the Legacy Motor Club partnership might be tied to their July schedule. It’s also suggested that Nemechek’s car could be involved, potentially sporting a custom paint job in honor of the tour.
As the video hit social media, fans quickly started theorizing about the hinted collaboration. Pop culture and racing fans alike voiced their eager anticipation, with one witty fan referencing a Backstreet Boys’ hit song, asking, “Tell me why?” to express their intrigue about the collaboration. Others questioned Johnson’s use of a seemingly outdated technology for the teaser video, while some were excited about the possibility of the band being featured on a race car.
One fan theorized about the collaboration being a promotion for the band’s upcoming Vegas shows, while another predicted that additional Vegas shows for the Backstreet Boys might be promoted on Nemechek’s car.
While the fan theories are intriguing, the official announcement from Legacy Motor Club will settle all speculations. With the prospect of Nemechek’s Toyota featuring promotional material for the Vegas race, the anticipation for a Backstreet Boys and Legacy Motor Club collaboration has never been higher. Only time will reveal the true nature of this partnership.