Legacy Motor Club Cuts Ties With John Hunter Nemechek
John Hunter Nemechek will not return to Legacy Motor Club for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, the team confirmed.
The official statement praised the driver’s professionalism and contributions, while emphasizing a commitment to finish the 2026 season on a strong note.
Nemechek’s 2026 Performance and Career Highlights
At the start of the 2024 season, the 29‑year‑old secured 34th and 25th place finishes and now sits 27th in the 2026 Cup standings, 80 points behind teammate Erik Jones after Daytona.
He has counted 11 victories in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, a best fourth-place points finish in 2023, and 13 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series, peaking at third in the standings in 2021.
Future Gaps and Potential Fillers
With Nemechek’s departure, Legacy is eyeing a replacement for 2027. Josh Berry, who has amassed five straight top‑tens for the Wood Brothers, stands out as the leading candidate, though no contract has been finalized.
Simultaneously, the Wood Brothers plan to slot Jesse Love into the No. 21 car next year, further reshaping the field.
Legacy’s management has also hinted at pursuing a third charter to introduce another full‑time entry, but those schematics remain tentative.
"