Nemechek to exit Legacy Motor Club at NASCAR season's end

Legacy Motor Club will part ways with John Hunter Nemechek at the end of the current NASCAR Cup Series season.

“We are grateful for John Hunter’s contributions to Legacy Motor Club and appreciate his professionalism and commitment to the organization throughout his time with the team,” a statement read. “We remain focused on finishing the 2026 season strong together and wish John Hunter the very best in the future.”

Nemechek has been with the organization for three seasons in the No. 42 car. Although he ran his first Cup Series season in 2020 with Front Row Motorsports, Nemechek chose to leave the series for other opportunities and success in the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series. An opportunity with Legacy Motor Club in 2024, the same year Jimmie Johnson joined the ownership group, brought him back to the Cup Series.

Johnson has been the majority owner for two seasons. In his tenure with the organization to date, Nemechek has 14 top-10 finishes and three top-five finishes. However, he is currently 27th in the championship standings and could statistically finish worse off than a year ago.

“I am incredibly grateful to Legacy Motor Club for the past three years,” Nemechek said in a statement. “While I am obviously disappointed with their decision, I am as motivated as ever. It has been such an honor to represent Toyota, Legacy Motor Club and all of their sponsors. I can’t wait to continue this journey, as I know my best days are ahead.

“This is a tough sport, and I am so thankful for the love and support from Tyler Gibbs, Jack Irving, everyone at Pye Barker, my JHN Autosports team, and so many others that have kept me lifted up through good times and bad. For now, I’m going to hug my family, focus on putting together 10 great races to finish the year, and figuring out what comes next.”

Josh Berry is the potential next hire for Legacy Motor Club. Berry announced earlier this year that Wood Brothers Racing would not be resigning him for next season.