Johnson 'so satisfied' after top five outing for himself and Legacy

Jimmie Johnson led a banner day for Legacy Motor Club in the Daytona 500 and realized afterwards that it comes with new emotions when also the team owner.

Johnson finished third in the race that went to overtime, and his No. 84 Toyota was one of the few remaining that escaped unscathed. It was the best finish Johnson has earned since returning to NASCAR competition on a limited basis in 2023 and driving the Next Gen car.

But the best part was that as all three team cars ran well, it ended with two of the Legacy Motor Club teams finishing inside the top five. John Hunter Nemechek finished fifth.

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“This feels incredible,” Johnson said. “I have emotions that I didn't expect to have. I've never been in this position as an owner, and it's really opened up a different set of emotions, and the pride that I have in this result and the pride that I have in this company and all that we're trying to achieve and the journey we're on. I am so satisfied, so happy right now.

“I’m excited that we have two cars in the top five. I hope Shaq is watching. Thank you, buddy. We got your car in the top three. A big thanks to Carvana and their continued support. Mobil 1, AdventHealth, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree. It's been an interesting couple of years, and to have our cars come out and be this strong, this Toyota was rocket ship fast. I'm just smiling inside and out.”

Johnson became the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club last month. The organization is in its second season under the Toyota banner, and the work continues to not only re-establish itself as a contender but also do so on a weekly basis.

Daytona went as well as it could have without a victory. All three cars displayed speed, and Erik Jones nearly won his Thursday night qualifying duel race. Jones crossed the finish line first and was celebrating on the frontstretch when a review of the finish determined the caution had come out with Austin Cindric in the lead.

Jones finished 12th Sunday night behind Johnson and Nemechek.

“It’s a green-white-checkered at Daytona,” Nemechek said “I wouldn’t really expect anything less. I don’t really know what happened on the back straightaway there. I know everyone was pushing hard and the next thing I knew there was smoke. I got hit in the left side door, right side door and managed to keep it straight. Jimmie blew my doors off. I don’t think he ever lifted for it.

“Strong run by Legacy Motor Club. Erik in the Duels and then up front for the majority of the day. Then, Jimmie came home third and myself fifth, so a solid day. A solid week, I would say and Speedweeks for the Legacy Motor Club group. Excited to see what this year has. We already know that we’re better than last year, it’s just how much better is unknown.”