John Hunter Nemechek will no longer drive for Legacy Motor Club after the 2026 season, the team announced on Wednesday. He’s currently in his third of three season competing full-time for Legacy Motor Club in the NASCAR Cup Series. A statement from Nemechek indicates the decision was more the team’s than his.
The announcement of Nemechek’s departure follows multiple team statements indicating he would remain with Legacy Motor Club in 2027. In May, Rexel USA was announced to be sponsoring the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Nemechek next year. The same language was used when the team announced a 2027 partnership with Mayer. It’s currently unclear what sparked the abrupt end of Legacy’s relationship with Nemechek.
What’s Being Said
“Legacy Motor Club has made the decision to part ways with John Hunter Nemechek at the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season,” the team said. “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. We remain focused on finishing the 2026 season strong together and wish John Hunter the very best in the future.”
“I am incredible grateful to Legacy Motor Club for the past three years,” Nemechek wrote. “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 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.”
Replacing Nemechek
In his three years at LMC, John Hunter Nemechek has three top-five finishes and 17 top-10s. His best points finish is a 25th-place campaign last year. So far in 2026, Nemechek ranks 27th with 10 races remaining. The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi was the first to report Nemechek’s imminent departure prior to the team’s confirmation.
Legacy Motor Club has already said it intends to field three full-time chartered entries in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. Erik Jones will likely remain in the No. 43 Toyota. Team owner Jimmie Johnson is planning his last ever start in the 2027 Daytona 500.
Josh Berry, who is parting ways with Wood Brothers Racing after 2026, is one of the top free agents in the coming off-season. Riley Herbst may also be a fit for Legacy Motor Club as he prepares to depart 23XI Racing.
