Legacy Motor Club announced on Wednesday that Michael Guttilla has been appointed team president. Guttilla joins Legacy after spending three years in the Joe Gibbs Racing organization.
The announcement of Guttilla’s hire comes just two weeks after the revelation that country music star Darius Rucker bought an ownership stake in Legacy Motor Club. It also coincides with an ongoing lawsuit between LMC and T.J. Puchyr over an alleged breach of contract during charter negotiations with Rick Ware Racing.
Three Years at Joe Gibbs Racing
From May 2023 to August 2026 Guttilla served as Chief Operating Officer of Joe Gibbs Racing. With his new position at Legacy, Guttilla remains one of the most prominent team executives in Toyota Racing Development.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with leaders and mentors who invested their time, knowledge and trust in me,” Guttilla said. “Coach Gibbs and the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization are the most recent example of that support, and before that the founder and teammates at Multimatic. I’m honored by the opportunity to bring those experiences to the incredible team Jimmie and Cal have built and to help execute and accelerate Jimmie’s mission, vision, and values for Legacy Motor club.”
“We really appreciate Michael’s guidance and leadership over the past few years,” added JGR team owner Joe Gibbs. “We are happy that he will be able to continue to contribute to the Toyota family in his new position.”
Michael Guttilla’s Credentials
Prior to forging his career in NASCAR, Guttilla spent six years as Vice President of Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. in Michigan. He then moved to Multimatic, where he spent 23 years as suspension systems director, vice president of global sales, and later vice president of engineering. Guttilla attended school at Michigan State University.
“Michael’s leadership and technical expertise will be a tremendous asset as we continue building the future of Legacy Motor Club,” said team owner Jimmie Johnson. “He understands both the competitive and business sides of this sport, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Club.”
A Lateral Within Toyota Racing Development
At Legacy Motor Club, Guttilla will oversee two full-time NASCAR Cup Series teams: the No. 42 of John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 43 of Erik Jones. Legacy also fields the No. 84 Toyota part-time for Johnson. Next year the organization is expecting to expand to three full-time entries. Legacy Motor Club is still searching for its first Cup Series win since September 2022.
“I’m also excited to continue working closely with TRD,“ Guttilla continued. “The collaborative spirit of ‘coopetition’ they foster among Team Toyota partners elevates everyone’s performance and strengthens the entire program. Together, our focus will be on building the kind of organization and culture capable of competing for wins and championships year after year.”
“The addition of Michael Guttilla is another example of Legacy investing in and building the kind of organization needed to compete with the top teams in NASCAR,” said Toyota Racing Development President Tyler Gibbs. “Michael will be a strong complement to Cal and the entire Legacy team. I want to thank Coach and JGR for allowing Michael and Legacy to pursue this opportunity. This move only highlights the collaborative nature our partner teams continue to exhibit, which reinforces one of Toyota’s key values in motorsport.”
