Johnson Looking to Expand Legacy Motor Club’s Footprint Beyond NASCAR

Johnson Looking to Expand Legacy Motor Club’s Footprint Beyond NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has his sights set on expanding the reach of Legacy Motor Club beyond the traditional confines of NASCAR, signaling a bold new direction for the racing team. The team, which was co-founded by Johnson in 2021 with fellow driver and entrepreneur Richard Petty, has quickly become one of the more intriguing entities in the world of motorsports. Now, Johnson is eyeing ways to broaden the team’s portfolio and influence in the racing industry, stepping into new arenas that could change the landscape for the organization.

Johnson, who retired from full-time NASCAR racing in 2020, has remained heavily involved with Legacy Motor Club as both an investor and key figure. While the team made its mark in NASCAR, with notable performances from drivers like Erik Jones and Noah Gragson, Johnson has been vocal about his desire to grow the team’s operations in new and diverse directions. “We’re in a phase of growth, and I’m excited about the possibilities,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “NASCAR is just the beginning, and we want to explore new opportunities in motorsport that allow us to showcase our team’s capabilities.”

One of the key areas Johnson is targeting is international expansion. With a growing global interest in motorsports beyond the U.S., Johnson believes there is significant potential for Legacy Motor Club to venture into other high-profile racing series such as IndyCar, Formula E, or even the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). These series represent not only a chance for exposure but also an opportunity to connect with a more diverse audience, including those outside the NASCAR fan base.

For instance, IndyCar, which has seen increased visibility with stars like Fernando Alonso, Scott Dixon, and Will Power, could be a potential entry point for the team. Johnson himself has expressed interest in racing in IndyCar before, and his wealth of experience in top-level motorsports would give him an edge in navigating that transition. Similarly, Formula E, the electric vehicle racing series, has gained significant traction in recent years, making it an appealing option for a team looking to capitalize on the growing focus on sustainability and the future of automotive technologies.

Expanding into these categories would also serve to strengthen Legacy Motor Club’s presence in global markets, especially in Europe and South America, where these racing series hold considerable influence. Johnson’s vision is not just about racing in these circuits but about leveraging the team’s brand to foster partnerships, collaborations, and sponsorship deals that could extend well beyond traditional NASCAR sponsors.

In addition to this, Johnson is exploring ways to incorporate the growing trend of esports and virtual racing into the team’s operations. Esports racing has taken off in recent years, with platforms like iRacing offering fans and drivers a chance to connect in a virtual space. By creating esports teams or partnerships with established virtual racing leagues, Legacy Motor Club could further expand its brand and engage with a younger, digitally-savvy audience.

Despite these ambitious plans, Johnson is mindful of the importance of maintaining Legacy Motor Club’s core identity. “NASCAR will always be at the heart of what we do,” he emphasized. “But we believe that expanding our footprint will not only benefit the team, but also our fans and the motorsports community as a whole.”

As Legacy Motor Club looks to the future, Johnson’s passion and forward-thinking approach could be a game-changer for the team. With NASCAR as its foundation, the team’s move to broaden its horizons could lead to exciting new opportunities and a lasting legacy in motorsports.