The seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson continues to expand Legacy Motor Club’s ownership group. The team announced the joining of several celebrity investors, but this has now sparked a lot of criticism from the fans. 

On Thursday, July 30, the team announced the new strategic ownership group. The group consists of several big-name investors, such as three-time Grammy Award-winning singer Darius Rucker, four-time IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti, two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper, six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon,  entrepreneur Jen Rubio,  U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick, and World Series champion and six-time MLB All-Star Chase Utley.

The ownership group also includes other big names like  IndyCar champion  Tony Kanaan, co-founder and co-chairman of CrossHarbor Capital PartnersSam Byrne, Emmy Award-winning chef Guy Fieri, 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, making it one of the most recognizable investor groups across any sport. 

In the statement put out by Legacy Motor Club on their website, Jimmie Johnson stated that the group was built intentionally. 

"This is not a traditional ownership group," said Johnson in a release from the team. "It is a collection of people who understand competition, leadership, innovation, storytelling, and how enduring organizations are built. They come from different worlds but share a common belief: that LEGACY can become something fundamentally different within motorsports and culture."

He further emphasized the vision behind his NASCAR team’s latest ownership additions. He said, 

"Great organizations are built by people who understand what it takes to win — but also what it takes to build. The caliber, diversity, and perspective of this group speak directly to where LEGACY is headed."

For Jimmie Johnson, the new strategic ownership group is a big step towards improving the on-track position of the team, but the announcement of the group was not welcomed by NASCAR fans. 

NASCAR fans react to Legacy Motor Club's new investor group 

Under the post shared by Legacy Motor Club announcing the lineup on their X account, many fans shared their opinions on it.

One fan pointed out that Legacy Motor Club investor Darius Rucker is currently partnered with Ford while Toyota backs the team. They commented, 

"FYI: “Hootie” is partnered with Altroo to give away an F-250 and NOT a Toyota Tundra. No judgement here, I own a Ford, but isn’t he a part-owner and investor of a Toyota NASCAR team? Conflict of interest? 

Another fan expressed their skepticism towards the new ownership group. They wrote, 

"Some big names. How are they going to help LMC get competitive?"

One NASCAR fan remained unconvinced by the announcement. They commented,

"Sooooo basically a private equity deal? Well good luck and sorry to hear about the future failure of the team!"

A fan also took playful jabs at the IndyCar driver Scott Dixon, who made a comment last week about the long races and that he could "take a nap" during one. They wrote, 

"But i thought Scott said he takes naps during Cup races"

Another fan, without mincing their words, wrote,

"No wonder why the team sucks, you’re more interested in rubbing elbows with celebrities!"

What do you think of the new lineup? Let us know in the comments. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco