Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has made a game-changing announcement that could redefine the future of the sport.
Speaking at a surprise press conference this afternoon, Johnson revealed that he will be launching a new, fully independent NASCAR team—with a revolutionary vision focused on driver development, electric vehicle integration, and global expansion. The new team, called Legacy Evolution Racing, will debut in the 2026 Cup Series season.
Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club and an iconic figure in racing history, explained that his new project is “about building the future of NASCAR—not just competing in it.” His new organization will include an academy for young drivers, a technical alliance focused on EV racing innovation, and plans to bring international drivers into NASCAR full-time.
What makes this announcement even more monumental is Johnson’s bold plan to partner with major tech and automotive companies—rumored to include Apple, Toyota Racing Development, and Tesla—to explore the integration of sustainable technologies into stock car racing.
“This is about pushing boundaries,” Johnson said. “We’re respecting NASCAR’s past while building a bridge to what comes next.”
Fans and industry insiders are calling this the biggest move by a former driver since Tony Stewart launched his own team. With NASCAR already evolving rapidly, Johnson’s new venture could reshape the competitive landscape for decades to come.
