Sep 9, 2026 · 1h 5m
Legacy builds its next NASCAR chapter around Berry and Herbst
Why Jimmie Johnson Bet on Josh Berry
Legacy Motor Club is betting that an independently developed operation, a reshaped driver lineup, and stronger infrastructure can accelerate its growth.
- 1Legacy Motor Club is adding Josh Berry and Riley Herbst while planning around existing leader Erik Jones.
- 2Jimmie Johnson explains why the team is developing more technical capability independently instead of relying heavily on a major alliance.
- 3Berry and Herbst face different versions of the same test: convert recent promise into consistent Cup Series performance.
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Josh Berry discusses the pressure and emotional difficulty of losing a ride, while Jimmie Johnson connects that experience to Legacy’s decision to sign him.
The brief
Jimmie Johnson, Riley Herbst, and Josh Berry outline Legacy Motor Club’s next phase, with a three-driver lineup and a larger facility signaling ambitions beyond incremental improvement.
Herbst’s move brings Toyota continuity and lessons from other organizations, while Legacy’s choice to develop more of its technical operation independently creates both control and a steep learning curve.
Berry describes the emotional difficulty of leaving the Wood Brothers and the pressure to prove himself, while Johnson explains the analytics and timing behind adding him to the organization.
The episode’s central tension is whether Legacy can turn an ambitious culture, independent development, and experienced leadership into the execution required in the Cup Series.
Johnson’s support for Berry and Herbst is rooted in his own difficult path to the Cup Series, making driver development part of Legacy’s broader leadership strategy.