Legacy Motor Club to release John Hunter Nemechek after 2026 season

Legacy Motor Club has announced that driver John Hunter Nemechek will depart the organization at the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This decision comes despite a recent agreement to extend Nemechek’s contract to include the 2027 season.

Team leadership, including principal owner Jimmie Johnson, reportedly made the decision to move in a different direction to build a more consistently competitive team. Nemechek, who drives the No. 42 Toyota, currently sits 27th in the driver standings. His recent performance includes 14 top-10 results and three top-five finishes during his tenure with the team.

Sources indicate that Josh Berry is a leading candidate to replace Nemechek in the No. 42 entry. Berry, who currently drives for Wood Brothers Racing, is expected to be out of his current seat at the end of this season. Berry has recently seen an increase in performance, including a streak of top-10 finishes.