September 30, 2022:  at Talladega in Talladega, Alabama. (HHP/Chris Owens)
John Hunter Nemechek (HHP/Chris Owens photo)

Nemechek To Return To Cup Series With Legacy Motor Club

John Hunter Nemechek will pilot the No. 42 entry for Legacy Motor Club full time in the NASCAR Cup Series, starting in 2024. 

The 26-year-old announced the news via his YouTube channel on Wednesday evening. 

It will be the second time in his career that Nemechek, who wheels the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series, has attempted to race full time in the Cup Series. 

His rookie year in NASCAR’s premier division was in 2020, when he drove the No. 38 Ford full time for Front Row Motorsports. While his time there was short-lived — as he left at season’s end to pursue more competitive rides in the sport — Nemechek earned three top 10s in 36 races and had an average finish of 22.4.

But next year will be a new chance for Nemechek to write his legacy in the Cup Series.

He has worked his way back up through the NASCAR ranks over the last three seasons, winning seven Truck Series races in two years with Kyle Busch Motorsports and boasting a series-leading five wins with JGR in the Xfinity Series this year. Nemechek is currently second in points in the Xfinity Series. 

With Legacy Motor Club switching manufacturers — from Chevrolet to Toyota — next year, Nemechek’s addition to the team was aptly-timed.