Although he may be a newcomer to the world of NASCAR team ownership, seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson has quickly thrown himself into the role with gusto. As the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club (LMC), Johnson has high aspirations for the team’s future. His plans to follow in the footsteps of Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks and potentially venture into the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) have left many intrigued.
Rumors of LMC’s rapid expansion and possible participation in the Indy 500, reportedly in partnership with NFL legend Tom Brady, have been circulating. However, Johnson has recently clarified the situation, stating that while he is intrigued by the future landscape of IndyCar, LMC’s involvement in the Indy 500 is not imminent.
The rumors began when NTT IndyCar Series reporter Tony Donohue speculated on the Tony D. Podcast about Johnson and Brady’s potential involvement with Chip Ganassi Racing’s fourth entry in the 2025 Indy 500. Even potential driver Sebastien Bourdais and sponsor Carvana were named.
However, Johnson has dismissed these claims. Speaking on the Racing Writer’s podcast, he said, “I would love for Legacy Motor Club to be there. I had a talk with [Chip] Ganassi earlier in the year about the opportunity. He has a fourth car. We are just not ready.”
The speculation was further fueled by the fact that Johnson himself participated in a full IndyCar season in 2022 for Chip Ganassi Racing, earning the Rookie of the Year award at the Indy 500. Following Johnson’s acquisition of LMC, investment adviser Knighthead Capital Management also invested in the team. As Tom Brady has stakes in Knighthead Capital, rumors quickly spread that the NFL star might also become involved with LMC, and potentially participate in the Indy 500 too.
However, despite debunking these immediate rumors, Johnson has big plans for LMC. With the introduction of a charter system in IndyCar from 2025, Johnson believes it will attract external investment and involvement in the sport, including from his own team. The charter system offers long-term stability and ensures a return on investment from every race in the season.
Further to this, Johnson is looking to build a strong brand with LMC. He believes that the motorsports world is lacking in prominent brands and sees an opportunity for LMC to fill that gap. As a seven-time NASCAR champion, Johnson’s name adds significant weight to the team.
In addition to IndyCar, he also expressed an interest in supercars and has plans in motion for LMC’s involvement in IMSA. There’s even talk of his team participating in the 24 hours of Daytona. Johnson’s primary focus remains on ensuring that LMC’s NASCAR program is competitive, but he sees potential for the team to become a global lifestyle brand through racing in various platforms and divisions.
Judging by their recent performance at the Daytona 500, where Johnson finished in P3, John Hunter Nemechek in P5, and Erik Jones in P12, LMC is showing promising signs for a young team. They certainly seem to be on an upward trajectory, and it will be exciting to see how they develop from 2025 onwards.
