Matt Kenseth joins Jimmie Johnson in Legacy Motor Club role
STATESVILLE, N.C. (BVM) – Matt Kenseth’s busy past few months have continued into this fall after the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductee announced a decision to join Legacy Motor Club (LMC).
While Kenseth’s time with the team won’t feature a part-time driver role like owner Jimmie Johnson, Kenseth will get a chance to share his experience with LMC’s current drivers as a “Competition Advisor.”
“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,” Kenseth said in a statement. “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.”
The 2003 NASCAR Cup Series champion has been busy since stepping away from full-time competition in 2020, competing in the 2022 Boston Marathon and taking part in the Hall of Fame ceremony back in January. With a chance to share his experience from his over 20-year Cup Series career, Kenseth will be able to serve as a mentor to drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, as well as assisting Legacy Motor Club throughout its transition to Toyota for the 2024 season.
Welcome to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Matt Kenseth! #NASCARHall pic.twitter.com/PAHHPgn2IC
— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) January 21, 2023
“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.”
The 2000 Rookie of the Year ended his Cup racing career with 39 victories at 19 different tracks, including two at the Daytona 500. Kenseth and vice president of racing operations, Joey Cohen, worked together at Roush Racing and think the opportunity to start right away should work seamlessly.
“Matt is going to help make this transition to Toyota smooth,” Cohen said. “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.”
