John Hunter Nemechek will not return to Legacy Motor Club for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season, the team announced on Sept. 2.
The Athletic first reported on Sept. 1 that Nemechek would be out of the No. 42 Toyota, with Hendersonville native Josh Berry as the favorite to fill the seat. Legacy has not yet announced the No. 42 driver for 2027.
'Legacy Motor Club has made the decision to part ways with John Hunter Nemechek at the conclusion of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season," the team said in a statement on social media. "We are grateful for John Hunter's contributions to Legacy Motor Club and appreciate his professionalism and commitment to the organization throughout his time with the team. We remain focused on finishing the 2026 season strong
together and wish John Hunter the very best in the future."
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) September 2, 2026
Legacy had previously announced, in May and June, a couple 2027 sponsorship agreements indicating that Nemechek would be driving the No. 42 car next season, with quotes from the driver in press releases.
Nemechek, 29, is in his third year as a full-time Cup Series driver with Legacy. He is 27th in points this season with one top-5 and two top-10 finishes, down from eight top-10 finishes in 2025.
Legacy has two full-time Cup Series teams, with Nemechek and Erik Jones as the team's drivers.
Majority owner Jimmie Johnson announced earlier this year that Legacy will be adding a third full-time entry in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: John Hunter Nemechek not returning to Legacy Motor Club for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
