NASCAR
Petty GMS Changes Name to Legacy Motor Club, Johnson’s Car Number Revealed
STATESVILLE, N.C. – The NASCAR Cup Series team owned by seven-time champions Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher will have a new identity for 2023. No longer known as Petty GMS, they will now run under Legacy Motor Club. In addition to this news, they also announced today that Johnson’s car number for his select starts will be the No. 84 Chevrolet Camaro.
“After brainstorming about the new name of our team, Maury and I recognized the opportunity to do something special and different,” Johnson said. “We felt it was important to have a name (LEGACY) that honored the past and acknowledged the future. The term ‘Motor Club’ is a nod to car clubs of the past. LEGACY M.C. will be an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast. I am excited to be a part of a story so rich in heritage and look forward to creating a new legacy in this sport outside of the racecar.”
“As we were all talking about creating a new name for the team, we looked at Jimmie, myself, and Dale Inman – that’s 22 championships – so there couldn’t be a better name to fit our race team than LEGACY,” Petty said. “The “Motor Club” is a perfect fit because we want our fans to pull for the whole team.”
“When I see the No. 42 & 43 cars, no matter who the driver was, is currently, or could be in the future, I want our fans to remember the Petty history that comes with them, and that history will continue to be made with LEGACY M.C.”
Petty GMS ran for one season as a two-car team in 2022. After the merger of Richard Petty Motorsports and GMS Racing, their efforts totaled one win, the Southern 500 on Sept. 4 with Erik Jones. Jones will return to the No. 43 seat for the third-straight season, but will now be joined by rookie teammate Noah Gragson in the No. 42. Gragson, 24, is fresh off an eight-win season in Xfinity that saw him be the championship runner-up.
Johnson will also join this effort for a few select starts in 2023. Johnson’s first outing in the No. 84 will be a Daytona 500 attempt on February 19. His sponsors, crew chief, and remaining schedule are all still TBD.
Legacy Motor Club will debut on February 5, in the Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (FOX, 8:00 p.m. ET). This exhibition event comes two weeks ahead of the 65th Daytona 500.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR
