Legacy Motor Club (LMC), the NASCAR team co-owned by seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, finds itself in the spotlight once again—but not for the reasons fans had hoped. After back-to-back disappointing seasons, LMC faces mounting skepticism about its ability to compete at the highest level of the sport. With the 2025 season fast approaching, questions remain: Is Johnson’s leadership to blame, or is LMC simply cursed with bad luck?
The Rise and Struggles of Legacy Motor Club
Initially known as Petty GMS Motorsports, the team underwent a dramatic transformation when Johnson took the reins in 2022, bringing with him high expectations. That season saw some promise, with a victory at Darlington and three top-five finishes. But since then, LMC has struggled to maintain consistency, falling well short of its ambitions.
The 2024 season marked a new low. After switching from Chevrolet to Toyota in hopes of a performance boost, the team still managed only one top-five and six top-ten finishes. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about LMC’s underwhelming results, and some point to a litany of problems—from poor race strategies to infrastructure deficiencies and mismanagement.
Key Changes for 2025
In response to its struggles, LMC is shaking things up for 2025. Among the changes:
- Ben Beshore, former crew chief for John Hunter Nemechek (#42), moves to Erik Jones’ #43 team.
- Travis Mack takes over crew chief duties for the #42 car.
- Brian Campe has been promoted to technical director, overseeing car development and engineering.
The team is also reportedly focusing on improving its simulation tools, hoping to close the gap with NASCAR’s elite outfits. However, whether these changes will be enough remains uncertain.
Jimmie Johnson: Problem or Solution?
Johnson’s dual role as co-owner and occasional driver has been a point of contention. While his experience and legacy bring credibility to the team, some fans believe his decision to field a third car for himself is a distraction. Johnson’s return to the track in 2023 and 2024 yielded little success, with no finishes in the top 25 and multiple DNFs. Critics argue that the resources spent on his car could be better used to improve the primary vehicles.
One fan bluntly stated, “Jimmie Johnson is wasting resources driving the third car. He needs to stay behind the scenes and focus on the team.”
The Erik Jones Factor
Despite the team’s struggles, there’s widespread agreement on one point: Erik Jones has the talent to succeed. The 27-year-old driver has shown flashes of brilliance, including his 2022 Darlington win, but has been hampered by inconsistent machinery and strategy.
“Jones has the skill if they can give him a decent car and execute strategy,” one fan remarked, capturing the cautious optimism surrounding the driver. Many see Jones as LMC’s best hope for returning to Victory Lane, but even his talent might not be enough without significant team improvements.
A Team in Transition?
Adding to the speculation about LMC’s future is the persistent rumor of Honda entering NASCAR as a fourth OEM. Some fans believe LMC could position itself as a launchpad for the new manufacturer, potentially injecting much-needed resources and excitement into the team. However, with LMC only recently switching to Toyota, such a move remains hypothetical for now.
Fan Sentiment: Divided but Hopeful
The NASCAR fanbase remains divided on LMC’s prospects for 2025. While some predict another winless season, others hold out hope for a turnaround:
- “They’ll win zero races again, just like in 2024,” one critic declared.
- “If they’re still not building proper infrastructure, they’ll be just as bad,” added another.
- Yet a more optimistic voice countered, “If Jones has a decent car, he can win. He’s got the talent.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the 2025 season looms, Legacy Motor Club is at a crossroads. With new leadership on the technical side and a renewed focus on infrastructure, the team is making bold moves to break out of its slump. But the road to competitiveness in NASCAR is unforgiving, and LMC’s challenges run deep.
For Jimmie Johnson and his team, the 2025 season isn’t just about results—it’s about proving that the Legacy Motor Club can live up to its name. Will they rise to the challenge, or will they remain stuck in neutral? The green flag drops soon, and all eyes will be on LMC to see if they can finally turn the tide.