STATESVILLE, N.C. — 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Matt Kenseth will join Legacy Motor Club as a Competition Advisor.
In this role, Kenseth will provide guidance and strategy on the competition side, serving as a mentor to drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, as well as assisting the team throughout its transition to Toyota for the 2024 season.
“Jimmie and I have so much respect for each other as both competitors and friends – we are alike in many ways and at similar points in our careers,” said Kenseth. “This is a great opportunity for me to be a resource for two extremely talented drivers and help on the racing operations side with this transition to Toyota. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”
Legacy M.C. co-owners Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher are optimistic about the alliance with Kenseth. As history goes, Johnson and Kenseth’s 2013 NASCAR Cup Series chase to the championship featured a spirited battle between the two drivers. Kenseth won seven races during that season – as opposed to Johnson’s six wins – but after chasing each other for several weeks – including a tie for the points lead leaving Martinsville (Va.) Speedway – Kenseth finished second to Johnson in the standings and Johnson won his sixth career title.
“Not only is Matt an excellent driver and a fierce competitor, he’s also a great friend,” Johnson said. “This alliance makes so much sense. Matt is extremely smart, has worked with Toyota while racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, and is still as competitive as ever. He’s a natural-born athlete and as fit as I have ever seen him. I’m so glad he is willing to share his knowledge and experience with us, and we look forward to all Matt has to offer.”
Over the course of his 20-year Cup Series career, Kenseth had 39 victories at 19 different tracks and won the 2003 Cup Series championship. Kenseth is a two-time Daytona 500 winner, the 2000 rookie of the year, a Southern 500 winner at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, a Coca-Cola 600 winner at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, and the 2004 International Race of Champions (IROC) champion.
Kenseth and Joey Cohen, Legacy Motor Club’s vice president of racing operations, worked together at Roush Racing when Cohen was an engineer for the team.
“Matt is going to help make this transition to Toyota smooth,” said Cohen. “He is one of the best drivers out there, and even though he is no longer behind the wheel, his perspective and advice will be crucial heading into next season for both our drivers and crews.”