Richard Petty, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has confirmed his full-time return to the sport in 2025 as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. This announcement marks a significant shift in the team’s ownership structure, with Petty stepping into a more active role alongside fellow co-owner Jimmie Johnson.
In January 2025, Johnson became the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club after Knighthead Capital Management acquired a significant minority stake in the team. This restructuring led to Maury Gallagher, the previous majority owner, stepping back from daily operations to assume an ambassadorial role. Richard Petty, who had previously sold all his shares in the team, is now rejoining as a co-owner, bringing his extensive experience and legacy to the forefront. citeturn0news9
Legacy Motor Club, formerly known as Petty GMS Motorsports, has undergone several transformations in recent years. The team was rebranded in January 2023, marking the first time since NASCAR’s inception in 1949 that the Petty family name was not associated with a team in the top series. Despite these changes, the team has continued to honor Petty’s legacy, notably retaining the iconic No. 43 car number. citeturn0search10
With Petty’s return as a co-owner, Legacy Motor Club aims to leverage his profound knowledge of the sport to enhance the team’s performance and strategic direction. The team fields two full-time cars: the No. 43 Toyota for Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota for John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson, who has been living in England for more than a year, plans to return to Charlotte to be more hands-on in his expanded role with the team. citeturn0news9
This development signifies a new chapter for Legacy Motor Club, combining the rich history of Richard Petty with the innovative leadership of Jimmie Johnson, as they strive to make a significant impact in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 and beyond.
