Josh Berry Tapped to Pilot Legacy Motor Club’s No. 42 Chevrolet in 2027 NASCAR Cup Season

Mooresville, NC – Legacy Motor Club has officially announced a significant driver acquisition for its 2027 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, securing the services of Josh Berry to pilot the No. 42 Chevrolet. This move solidifies Berry’s presence in NASCAR’s premier division for years to come and marks a pivotal step in Legacy Motor Club’s strategic expansion. Berry will join a formidable teammate lineup, which already includes Erik Jones in the No. 43 Chevrolet and the newly confirmed Riley Herbst in the No. 84 Chevrolet. The addition of Herbst will see Legacy Motor Club field three full-time entries, a notable increase in their operational scope. This expansion coincides with the team’s decision to part ways with John Hunter Nemechek, a move confirmed by the organization last week.

Berry expressed his enthusiasm for joining the burgeoning organization, stating in a team release, "Legacy Motor Club is an organization that clearly has a vision for where they want to go, and I want to be part of that. I’ve had a chance to see this team up close and I know what they’re capable of. The way Jimmie [Johnson] has built this place – the people, the culture, the direction – it’s exactly the kind of environment I want to compete in." This sentiment underscores Berry’s alignment with the leadership and developmental trajectory of Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

The announcement comes after a period of uncertainty for Berry regarding his full-time Cup Series future. He recently concluded his tenure with the Wood Brothers, a storied NASCAR team that has opted to place 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts champion Jesse Love behind the wheel of their iconic No. 21 Ford for the upcoming season. Despite the departure from the Wood Brothers, Berry has experienced a remarkable surge in performance during the latter part of his current season. He has achieved a streak of six consecutive top-ten finishes, a feat not accomplished by a Wood Brothers driver since 1976. This impressive run has seen him ascend eight positions in the current Cup Series standings, demonstrating his capability and resilience under pressure.

Berry’s Cup Series career, though relatively brief in terms of full-time starts, has been marked by flashes of brilliance. He secured his maiden Cup Series victory early in the 2025 season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a testament to his skill on intermediate ovals. Beyond his Cup Series success, the 35-year-old driver boasts a decorated resume in NASCAR’s lower divisions. He has accumulated five victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and captured the prestigious CARS Late Model Stock Tour championship in 2017, showcasing a diverse range of talent across different forms of stock car racing.

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His initial foray into the NASCAR Cup Series dates back to 2021 with Spire Motorsports. Berry also made select starts in 2023 as a substitute driver for Hendrick Motorsports, filling in for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. Notably, during that same 2023 season, he gained valuable experience with Legacy Motor Club, competing in two races in the No. 42 Chevrolet, achieving finishes of 34th at Michigan International Speedway and 22nd at Daytona International Speedway. These prior experiences with the team undoubtedly contributed to his current signing. It was in 2024 that Berry finally secured a full-time Cup Series ride, initially with Stewart-Haas Racing and then transitioning to the Wood Brothers No. 21 for the past two seasons.

The addition of Josh Berry to Legacy Motor Club’s lineup for 2027 sets the stage for a compelling four-car presence at the iconic Daytona 500. Team co-owner Jimmie Johnson is slated to compete in a fourth entry, the No. 48 Chevrolet, for what is anticipated to be his final NASCAR start. Johnson’s involvement as a driver and team principal provides a unique mentorship opportunity for Berry and the entire Legacy Motor Club roster.

Johnson, reflecting on Berry’s signing, emphasized the driver’s character and competitive spirit. "Josh is a proven competitor who has earned everything through hard work and getting his hands dirty," Johnson stated in the team’s release. "What stands out about Josh is his ability to manage the big picture behind the wheel – his experience, perspective and wisdom. His career has been built on that foundation, and I know he will have a meaningful impact here. We’re thrilled to have him at Legacy." Johnson’s endorsement highlights Berry’s maturity and strategic approach to racing, qualities highly valued in the demanding environment of the NASCAR Cup Series.

Legacy Motor Club, under the stewardship of Johnson and Maury Gallagher, has been steadily building its infrastructure and competitive presence since its inception. The team’s commitment to expanding to three full-time entries signifies a significant investment in talent and resources, aiming to elevate its standing within the NASCAR landscape. The alignment of experienced drivers like Erik Jones with emerging talents such as Riley Herbst and a proven competitor like Josh Berry, coupled with the strategic vision of its ownership, positions Legacy Motor Club as a team with ambitious aspirations for the future. Berry’s signing represents a key piece of that puzzle, with the expectation that he will contribute significantly to the team’s pursuit of consistent performance and checkered flags in the seasons ahead. The transition to the Chevrolet platform for Berry at Legacy Motor Club will also present a new technical challenge and opportunity for adaptation, further testing his renowned adaptability as a driver.

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