Legacy Motor Club confirmed on Wednesday that John Hunter Nemechek will not be returning to the team in 2027.
“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,” the team said in a news release.
Nemecheck is in his third full-time season with the team. He finished the regular season in 27th with a single top 5 finish and failed to qualify for The Chase. He released the following statement on the news:
“I am incredibly grateful to Legacy Motor Club for the past three years. 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.”
Legacy Motor Club did not say who will replace him in the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE, but The Athletic reported that Josh Berry is set to take the seat.
Berry currently drives for Wood Brothers Racing, but the team has already announced that Jesse Love will replace him in 2027.
Legacy Motor Club currently fields two full-time cars for Nemeheck and Erik Jones, but will be adding a third next year.
Team owner Jimmie Johnson will also be competing in the Daytona 500, which will be his last-ever race in the NASCAR Cup Series.
