Full Breakdown
Josh Berry Secures 2027 Ride with Legacy Motor Club
9/9/2026, 11:09:27 AM
Announcement of the Move
Legacy Motor Club confirmed that Josh Berry will take over the No. 42 Toyota for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season, replacing John Hunter Nemechek. The team disclosed the decision in September 2026, adding Berry to a driver lineup that already includes Erik Jones and Riley Herbst. Berry will complete his current contract with Wood Brothers Racing before debuting with Legacy at the 2027 Daytona 500.
Berry’s Path to the Cup
The 35-year-old Hendersonville native progressed from the CARS Tour to a full-time Cup ride in 2023 with Stewart-Haas Racing. After SHR shut down its Cup operation in 2024, Berry moved to Wood Brothers Racing, piloting the No. 21 Ford. He extended a six-race top-10 streak at Darlington and captured his first Cup victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2025. Despite a strong finish streak, the Tennessean notes Berry sits 25th in points after a difficult first four months, including ten finishes of 30th or worse in the opening 21 races.
Legacy Motor Club’s Recent Evolution
Legacy transitioned to Toyota beginning with the 2024 season and has been reshaped under co-owner Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management. The organization is positioning itself as a consistent contender within the Toyota camp, and Berry’s addition brings a driver with victories at two different Cup teams.
Official Statements & Responses
Both statements were released as part of the team’s official announcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is an organization that clearly has a vision for where they want to go, and I want to be part of that,” — Josh Berry
- “Josh is a proven competitor who has earned everything through hard work and getting his hands dirty,” — Jimmie Johnson, legacy legacy principal
What’s Next for 2027
Legacy’s No. 42 entry will line up at Daytona International Speedway when the 2027 NASCAR season begins in February. Berry’s departure from Wood Brothers creates an opening in the No. 21 Ford, which the team has already indicated will be filled for the upcoming season.
