Jimmie Johnson isn’t just preparing for one final run at the Daytona 500 — he’s continuing to reveal new pieces of what could become one of the biggest storylines in NASCAR’s near future.
Speaking recently about the team’s direction, the seven-time Cup Series champion shared a key update on Legacy Motor Club’s plans to expand to a third full-time entry beginning in 2027.
And in doing so, Johnson confirmed a detail fans have been waiting on.
Johnson said he plans to drive the No. 13 in the 2027 Daytona 500, a notable shift from the No. 84 he has been associated with in recent starts.
A Third Car — and a New Twist on the Numbers
Johnson did not lock in a number for the organization’s third full-time car, but he did introduce a key twist by identifying a different number for his own planned return.
The choice stands out immediately. Legacy Motor Club currently fields the No. 42 and the iconic No. 43, the latter deeply tied to the team’s roots through Petty Enterprises.
The No. 84 has been widely discussed as a potential option for the team’s third entry — one that carries meaning within the team as it builds toward its next phase.
Johnson also noted the number connects to his partner, Corey LaJoie, who has previously run No. 84 in part-time NASCAR Cup Series appearances.
While the number itself had circulated in rumors for months, this marks the clearest confirmation yet from Johnson as plans for the third entry continue to take shape.
Johnson’s Final Cup Start Is Taking Shape
Johnson has already announced that his final NASCAR Cup Series start will come in the 2027 Daytona 500, bringing his career full circle at the sport’s biggest event.
With Johnson now pointing to the No. 13 for his final start, that moment is starting to come into sharper focus.
The number also carries a layer of history for Johnson, who earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win in his 13th career start at Auto Club Speedway in 2002.
Rather than simply returning for a standalone appearance, Johnson is expected to make that start in a separate, part-time entry tied to his ownership role — adding another layer of significance to what is already set to be an emotional final start.
The move also highlights Johnson’s growing role within the organization, not just as a driver, but as a co-owner helping shape the team’s long-term direction.
Expansion Plans Still Come With Questions
Even with the number now confirmed, several major pieces of the puzzle remain unresolved.
Legacy Motor Club would likely need to secure a charter to field the third entry full-time — no small task as the Cup Series grid remains tight and highly competitive.
There is also the question of who will drive the third entry beyond Johnson’s expected appearance at Daytona. The team has not announced a full-time driver for the entry, leaving that decision open heading into the 2027 season.
From staffing to sponsorship, expanding to a third car brings additional complexity — especially for a team still establishing itself after its transition to Toyota.
A Quiet Reveal — With Big Implications
Johnson’s confirmation didn’t come through a formal press release or major announcement. Instead, it surfaced more subtly — the kind of detail that can easily be overlooked but carries real weight.
And for Legacy Motor Club, it signals that the foundation for 2027 is already being built.
With Johnson’s No. 13 plan now clarified, the team’s expansion plans are no longer just speculation — they’re beginning to take real shape.
And for Johnson, it ensures his final Cup Series start won’t simply mark the end of an era, but the start of something new.
Jimmie Johnson Drops New Detail on Legacy Motor Club’s 2027 NASCAR Plans