Charlotte, NC – Legacy Motor Club (LMC) is ushering in a new era for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with a series of significant personnel adjustments aimed at bolstering performance and operational efficiency. The most prominent change sees Justin Alexander stepping into the crucial role of crew chief for Erik Jones and the No. 43 LMC Toyota Camry XSE, replacing Ben Beshore. This strategic move signals LMC’s commitment to leveraging experienced leadership as they target continued growth and improved on-track results.
Alexander arrives at Legacy Motor Club with a decorated resume, having achieved considerable success at Richard Childress Racing (RCR). During his tenure with RCR, he guided Austin Dillon to five Cup Series victories, including two of NASCAR’s crown jewel events: the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2018 Daytona 500. His proven ability to strategize, communicate effectively, and lead a team to victory makes him a highly anticipated addition to LMC.
The reshuffling extends beyond the pit box. Ben Beshore, who previously served as Jones’ crew chief, will transition into the newly created position of Director of Race Engineering. This move allows LMC to capitalize on Beshore’s technical expertise and leadership in a broader capacity, overseeing the development and implementation of engineering strategies across the organization. Concurrently, Scott Roggenbauer, who held the title of Chief Financial Officer, has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer, indicating a strengthened focus on the overall business and operational framework of the race team.
Jimmie Johnson, a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, expressed his optimism regarding the new appointments. "We’re continuing to evolve and refine every part of our race program, and Justin is a tremendous addition to our crew chief lineup," Johnson stated. "His experience, communication style, and leadership align perfectly with the direction we’re headed. We appreciate Ben’s hard work and look forward to his continued contributions as he transitions into his new role." Johnson’s comments underscore the deliberate nature of these changes, aiming to create a more robust and cohesive operational structure.
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Cal Wells III, Chief Executive Officer at LMC, echoed Johnson’s sentiments, emphasizing the potential synergy between Alexander and Erik Jones. "Justin is a proven race winner, and we believe there’s the potential for a strong chemistry with Erik (Jones)," Wells remarked. "We’ll also have Ben raising all ships with the performance engineering group. With all these changes, we’re hoping to continue the growth we saw in 2025." This statement highlights the dual focus of the restructuring: enhancing driver-crew chief relationships and elevating the team’s engineering capabilities.
Erik Jones concluded the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season in 24th place in the driver standings, a modest improvement from his 28th-place finish in 2024. In 2025, Jones secured four top-five finishes and five top-ten results, demonstrating a step forward in consistency. However, the team and driver have been seeking a return to victory lane, with Jones’ last win coming in the 2022 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. The partnership with Alexander is seen as a critical element in breaking this winless streak and achieving higher performance levels.
The strategic restructuring at Legacy Motor Club is indicative of a broader trend within NASCAR, where teams are increasingly focused on optimizing personnel and engineering resources to gain a competitive edge. The appointment of a seasoned crew chief like Alexander, coupled with the internal realignment of engineering and operational leadership, suggests a calculated effort by LMC to build a more formidable organization.
The 2025 season, while showing signs of progress for Jones and the No. 43 team, also highlighted areas where improvement was needed. The team’s statistical performance, though better than the previous year, still placed them outside the top contenders. The addition of Alexander, who has a track record of success in high-pressure situations and with championship-caliber teams, is intended to provide the immediate impact necessary to elevate Jones’ performance and the team’s overall competitiveness.
Ben Beshore’s transition to Director of Race Engineering is a testament to his technical acumen and his potential to influence the performance of multiple LMC entries. In a sport where data analysis and technological innovation are paramount, having a dedicated leader to oversee these aspects can be a significant advantage. This role is crucial in ensuring that the team’s engineering efforts are aligned with race strategy and driver feedback, fostering a holistic approach to performance optimization.
Scott Roggenbauer’s promotion to COO reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sound business practices and efficient operations within the demanding environment of motorsports. The financial and operational health of a racing team directly impacts its ability to invest in resources, attract talent, and execute race-day strategies. His expanded role suggests a commitment to strengthening the organizational backbone of LMC.
The NASCAR Cup Series is known for its intense competition, where even minor advantages can make a significant difference in race outcomes. Legacy Motor Club’s proactive approach to personnel changes and organizational development indicates a clear ambition to move up the competitive ladder. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining the efficacy of these strategic decisions, but the appointments of Alexander, Beshore in his new role, and Roggenbauer suggest a team determined to innovate and improve across all facets of its operation. The focus will now shift to how these new leadership structures translate into tangible results on the racetrack, particularly for Erik Jones and the iconic No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE. The team’s investment in experienced personnel and restructured leadership signals a clear intent to compete at a higher level in the evolving landscape of NASCAR.
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