John Hunter Nemechek Returning To NASCAR Cup Series In 2024 With Legacy Motor Club

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver John Hunter Nemechek has signed to drive the 42 car for Legacy Motor Club in the Cup Series, starting next year.

Nemecheck previously spent one year as full-time Cup Series driver in 2020 with Front Row Motorsports.

The North Carolina native currently drives for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series and is second in points heading into the final regular season race at Kansas Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 9.

“To be able to announce my plans for next season so early and officially say I will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series relieves a lot of pressure,” Nemechek said.

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“There is so much to be done for next year, and this gives us the opportunity to get the news out there and move forward.”

Nemechek is taking over the car vacated by Noah Gragson, who was suspended from NASCAR and resigned from Legacy Motor Club after being called out for liking an offensive George Floyd meme on X.

“We’re excited to have John Hunter in the Legacy Motor Club family and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the No. 42 next season,” said team co-owner Jimmie Johnson.

“He is impressive both on and off the track and will be a great ambassador for Legacy M.C. and our partners. He will be a solid teammate to Erik (Jones) and I can’t wait to watch them both compete for wins and championships for years to come.”

The full terms of Nemechek’s contract were not released.

Legacy Motor Club will be switching from Chevrolet to Toyota next year, which will keep Nemechek in the automaker’s family, as both Joe Gibbs Racing and the Tricon Garage Truck Series team he drives part time for represent the brand.

The news comes the same week as Denny Hamlin confirmed he has signed a multi-year contract to stay with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series.