DAYTONA, Fla. (WGHP) — It’s a new era for newly-inducted NASCAR Hall of Famer and Legacy Motor Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson.
Kevin Connolly and Danny Harnden of Nexstar’s WGHP and WFLA’s JB Biunno spent Wednesday afternoon catching up with drivers as they get ready to hit the speedway this Sunday for the Daytona 500.
Johnson, of El Cajon, California, drives the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club. He has 19 full seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series behind him, including championship wins in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2016. His seven championship victories have him tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the Cup Series record.
In 2023, Johnson began competing only part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series and purchased an ownership stake in Petty GMS, since renamed Legacy Motor Club. This Daytona 500 will only be his second with Legacy Motor Club and his first in a Toyota after two decades in a Chevrolet.
“So much has changed for us in the course of a year, especially sitting here in Daytona from Daytona to Daytona,” Johnson said. “But at the root of it all is my partner’s commitment to having a top-flight tier-one motorsports program, and I cannot thank Maury Gallagher enough for his commitment to this team and for bringing me in and letting me be part of this journey.”
His upcoming run in Daytona will be his first after officially being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
When asked how he felt his speech went, he said, “I think it went as good as I could have hoped for. Spent some time, made sure I had my thoughts organized. I actually practiced in front of the teleprompter a few times and felt the most comfortable I have on stage. … It was really special for me and for my family.”
This will be his 21st Daytona 500. He claimed victory in 2006 and 2013 when he was driving for Hendrick Motorsports.
