$160M-worth Jimmie Johnson prioritizes independence over Joe Gibbs alliance within Toyota ecosystem, says NASCAR insider

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, made a bold choice with his team, Legacy Motor Club. The team focused on being independent and gave up the opportunity to team up with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Johnson bought an ownership stake in Legacy Motor Club in 2022, which he now co-owns with Maury Gallagher. The team transitioned from Chevrolet to Toyota, but has faced challenges in recent seasons. They have recently implemented several changes for the 2025 season, aiming to enhance their performance

Earlier this year, the 49-year-old shared his reasons for remaining independent with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. When asked why he decided not to partner with JGR, the $160M-worth Jimmie Johnson (according to Celebrity Networth) responded by saying:

''There are many long-term reasons that makes sense to us to be our own stand-alone team within the Toyota ecosystem. It's in the short term, maybe going to make things a bit more difficult for us. It would have been really nice to form a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, write that big check and be guaranteed a certain level of car.''

Johnson further said that Gallagher wants them to create their own team, even if it presents more challenges in the immediate future.

''But Maury Gallagher, my partner in Legacy Motor Club, is still on his own in business and has been able to figure it out. And he really believes in this process and wants us to rise to the occasion and create our own entity with the support of Toyota, of course. It's not the easy way by any stretch, but we really feel like long term, it's the best thing that we can do for organization,'' he added.

Jimmie Johnson will next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20 and conclude the season at Phoenix Raceway on November 10.

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Jimmie Johnson's team announces changes for the 2024 season

Jimmie Johnson returned part-time to NASCAR last year after racing in IndyCar but has had a tough time with the new cars. Last month, Johnson’s No. 84 Legacy Motor Club team hired a new crew chief, Gene Wachtel. His previous chief, Jason Burdett, left the team in August.

Legacy Motor Club is also having a tough season and is making significant changes to its Cup Series teams. It was announced on October 8 that crew chief Ben Beshore will replace Dave Elenz, transitioning from the No. 42 car to the No. 43. Technical Director Brian Campe will temporarily assume the role of Crew Chief for the No. 42.

No. 42 driver John Hunter Nemechek has had only one top-20 finish in his last ten races. Meanwhile, Erik Jones secured his first top-5 finish at Talladega last week, following a two-race absence and a back injury earlier this year.