Jimmie Johnson names top contenders for third Legacy car in bad news for Richard Childress
Jimmie Johnson is determined to add a new Legacy car to the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026 - and has named the two top targets for the seat
Jimmie Johnson has lifted the lid on his plans for a third Legacy car for 2026, admitting the move might have to be delayed until 2027.
Johnson's Legacy team is actively working with NASCAR to put a third car on the grid in the Cup Series from 2026, and is believed to be already looking at drivers in the event of the move being approved.
Richard Childress youngster Jesse Love has been heavily linked with a move to the premier series in the sport, and has been eyed up by a number of teams. Now, it seems Legacy is joining the race for him.
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Speaking to 'Ask Jimmie', the team owner provided an update on the future of Legacy Motor Club, explaining that it wasn't necessarily going to be next year that the move is made.
"It's our intentions and ambitions to put a third car on the grid in 2026," he explained. "I'd say worst case scenario, '27, but we're working hard to make 26 happen."
Johnson didn't exactly hide his team's desire to sign Love, either, after namedropping the youngster when asked for his favorite prospect coming through the ranks at the moment.
"Being at Toyota and seeing their efforts in their young driver program and the men and women coming up through the program, there's some really awesome talent in the pipeline.
"When you look through the Xfinity Series, Conor Zilisch, Jesse Love... you also look through the garage and there's some young talent that took early steps to get into vehicles.
"There's just questions in my mind and especially wearing my team owner's hat, we're looking to add a third car and hoping to get some news soon on that, but where to look, it's tough."
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Love's talent in the Xfinity Series has been clear to see, with even Kyle Busch praising the youngster. Busch gave private advice to Love earlier this year after the Xfinity prospect reached out to him, something Busch was pleased about.
"A lot of drivers, they don't do that anymore these days," he said. "So if you call I'm willing to talk to you, and help you, and give you as much as you asked, and try to give you what I can to get you started and be ready to go when you get here."
