“I think one of those may suggest that we’d gotten into a fist fight, and we had a funny text exchange about that. So, none of that is true.”
This week, it was announced that John Hunter Nemechek will be let go from Legacy Motor Club after the 2026 season. This comes after previous releases hinted Nemechek would remain in the No. 42 car for 2027.
John Hunter Nemechek to part ways with Legacy Motor Club
Later in the week, the NASCAR Cup Series team announced they have signed Riley Herbst for 2027. He’ll depart 23XI Racing to drive the No. 84 for Legacy. This will bring the team to three full-time entries in 2027.
The abrupt change of direction regarding Nemechek led fans to speculate. Rumors began to swirl. One of those that gained traction suggested that Johnson and Nemechek were involved in an argument after the recent race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Jimmie Jam addressed these rumors directly…
Jimmie Johnson discusses letting John Hunter Nemechek go
“There wasn’t an incident or moment,” Jimmie Johnson stated via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
“We’re in pro sports, and as we look across the landscape for how we grow the company, and if you’re looking at a chessboard, two or three chess plays down the road, how you can make the most informed, smart decisions for the company. We have partners to think of, we have investors to think of.
“There was a scenario there that we needed to explore, and the decision was made, by no means an easy one. Our commitment to John Hunter and supporting him, I’m not sure other teams would behave the same way, but we want to do anything we can do to help him, but just from a long-term perspective, there are some other options or opportunities that we need to keep open.”
The rumor suggested that Johnson and Nemechek had a verbal confrontation after the race weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Johnson addressed this directly…
“Not true,” said Johnson said with a laugh.
“No. Actually, we were texting last night. I think one of those may suggest that we’d gotten into a fist fight, and we had a funny text exchange about that. So, none of that is true.”
“You know, and really, as the owner of this company, I’ve not been in this situation, and it’s not easy, and I don’t want to be lighthearted about it. You know, it was a very difficult decision for us to make.”
Johnson concluded, “John Hunter is someone that I believe in and care about. We live in a pro sports world, and you know, sometimes there are other factors in play that just have to be considered and thought about and that’s really the root of it all.”
The 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is set to make his final start next year. He’ll run his final race in the 2027 Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the familiar No. 48 car.
Listen to the audio below.
Riley Herbst signs with Legacy Motor Club
Jimmie Johnson talks the departure of John Hunter Nemechek (Audio)
Links
Jimmie Johnson | John Hunter Nemechek | Legacy Motor Club | NASCAR
