Jimmie Johnson is set to return to NASCAR racing in addition to buying stake in NASCAR team
Petty GMS Racing was formed in 2021 as Maury Gallagher purchased Richard Petty Motorsports.
Jimmie Johnson is a 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He stepped away from full-time competition at the end of the 2020 season. In 2022, he concluded a full-time season in the Indycar Series but he’ll now step back from Indycar racing.
Noah Gragson will join the team for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. Additionally, Erik Jones will remain with the team.
Now, Johnson will join the team as both an owner and a driver. He’ll pilot a third entry in select events for 2023. His first will be the Daytona 500.
Maury Gallagher comments
“I couldn’t be happier to have Jimmie Johnson joining Petty GMS,” stated Maury Gallagher.
“We have been consistent since we began our Cup effort last year in wanting to be up front and have a winning program. No one in the modern era of NASCAR has won more than Jimmie. Having a driver, the caliber of Jimmie, driving our equipment and being able to provide feedback to our crew chiefs and engineers but most importantly, mentoring Erik and Noah will be invaluable. Perhaps most important of all, Jimmie will be a great partner.”
“I know I speak for all the Petty GMS team members, including Richard Petty, in welcoming Jimmie to the team. No one else will be able to say they have two seven-time Cup champions on their team.”
“We are looking to make a strong statement next year and show that we are here to contend for wins and championships. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Richard Petty comments
“What an exciting time for Petty GMS,” said Richard Petty.
“This year we’ve accomplished so much together with Maury and now adding Jimmie will only continue to help us grow. To have Jimmie – another seven-time champion – as a part of the team, and his abilities both on track and off will be special for Petty GMS.”
“I’m looking forward to having him as a part of our team and seeing what we can build together.”
Jimmie Johnson comments
“It’s great to be back in NASCAR,” stated Jimmie Johnson.
“When the INDYCAR season ended I started on this journey of what was next. Maury and I connected, this opportunity came to light and it’s the perfect fit for me.”
“Team ownership makes so much sense at this stage of my career and after spending time with Maury and his family, talking with Mike (Beam), Dave (Elenz, crew chief of the No. 43) and Joey (Cohen, Director of Competition and Engineering), I realized this was something I wanted to be involved with from both the business perspective and on the competition side.”
“If I’m going to commit to something like this, I want to make a difference and have something tangible to show for it when it’s all said and done. So, this opportunity with Petty GMS is all of that and much more.”
“I’m fortunate that I had incredible mentors throughout my life, and I’ve always tried to pay that forward,” said Johnson. “My experience and energy will add value to a team with young drivers like Erik and Noah – I feel like I can be a good resource both on and off the track.”
