Jimmie Johnson returned to NASCAR after a two-year absence due to his retirement at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Johnson, 47, invested in Petty GMS Motorsports and became co-owner of what is now known as Legacy Motor Club.
With almost six months of action under his belt since the announcement, major news for the 2024 season has already been released.
Jimmie Johnson talks about the possibility of driving for Toyota in 2024
Legacy Motor Club has undoubtedly struggled throughout the 2023 NASCAR season as Erik Jones sits 24th in the point standings and Noah Gragson is the second-worst full-time driver in regards to points as well.
It has not been pretty for the organization but there was a huge announcement on the Tuesday following the race at Dover Motor Speedway that is certainly going to change its trajectory in NASCAR moving forward.
Legacy Motor Club announced it will move away from Chevrolet and join the Toyota camp for the 2024 season and beyond. It was unexpected news for the organization but the idea of Toyota Racing expanding has been publicly known for months.
Jones and Gragson have previously driven for Toyota in the past so it is a homecoming for both drivers. However, Johnson has been linked to Chevrolet for his entire NASCAR Cup Series career and the idea of him driving a Toyota-backed car is mind-boggling.
Of course, it all depends on if the seven-time Cup Series champion wants to race again in 2024. Johnson hopped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio following the announcement and answered a question on if he wants to drive in NASCAR next season.
“I’m open to it in anything that I can do to help grow (Legacy Motor Club), I am in favor of. I certainly don’t want to be a distraction. I have desires to continue to drive a NASCAR vehicle…If I can slide my helmet on, I still want to do that.”
Jimmie Johnson on driving in NASCAR for the 2024 season
Based on Johnson’s comments, it is very likely that he will be driving the No. 84 Toyota during the 2024 season. The idea of growing Legacy Motor Club has been directly correlated with bringing sponsors on board and having Johnson run with them in 2023.
TRD president David Wilson is also open to Johnson running in a Toyota Camry and said he would like nothing more than to see him run in a ninth entry. There is full support across the board to make it happen and everything points to another season behind the wheel.
Johnson will run at least two more races in 2023 at the Coca-Cola 600 and Chicago Street Course so his days of driving a Chevrolet-backed entry are not over yet. It will be odd to see the 47-year-old driver in a Toyota but this is the vision for Legacy Motor Club moving forward.
However, what about other racing series as Toyota is known to restrict opportunities that see the manufacturer as a rival competitor? Johnson discussed the idea of crossing back over to IMSA and the NTT IndyCar Series below.
Related: Jimmie Johnson releases several big updates on his schedule in NASCAR for 2023
Jimmie Johnson discusses the idea of driving in other racing series in 2024
When Johnson retired from full-time competition in NASCAR Cup Series at the end of the 2020 season, he took his talents to Chip Ganassi Racing and drove every road/street course in the No. 48 Honda in 2021.
Then, he drove full-time during the 2022 season and competed in his first Indianapolis 500. Johnson led two laps during the prestigious event but crashed out late for a 28th-place finish.
Johnson will also be a part of the Garage 56 program when it tackles IMSA for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. It won’t be the first time that he competes in IMSA as he has competed in the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA several times.
With Legacy Motor Club being his primary focus, Johnson talked about the idea of running other series outside of NASCAR to NBC Sports following the shocking announcement on Tuesday.
“I honestly don’t know at this stage. I know my schedule for this year, which will include the Garage 56 program. Obviously, I’m very excited to go and have my first attempt at Le Mans with my friends from Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR…From a time commitment standpoint and being a proud co-owner of this team and being a part of this organization, my focus really is on what needs to happen for this team. I’m happy to hold a steering wheel, and we’ll certainly look at any and all opportunities to try. My focus really needs to be how it helps this team.”
Jimmie Johnson on racing in IndyCar/IMSA in 2024
NASCAR will continue to be Johnson’s primary focus moving forward as he is currently undecided on his other racing endeavors. The California native has really pushed to win the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA but time commitments could be an issue.
Also, Chip Ganassi would always be willing to help Johnson find a ride for the Indianapolis 500 but it takes lots of preparation and the entire month of May is devoted to the experience. As a new NASCAR owner, it could be too much for him to juggle.
It is more likely to see Johnson behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock car for this reason. He is a part of the process and with sponsorship being linked to his inclusion in select events, this would be beneficial to Legacy Motor Club.
Johnson wants to see his organization continue to grow and Toyota represents the best opportunity moving forward. The majority of Johnson’s driving career is over; however, he is going to be part of NASCAR for a long time.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV or another streaming platform, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Kansas Speedway!