Josh Berry Lands With Legacy Motor Club for 2027

Legacy Motor Club has found its next driver.

The organization announced Tuesday that Josh Berry will join its NASCAR Cup Series program in 2027, taking over the No. 42 Toyota and giving the veteran racer another opportunity to build on a career that has taken an unconventional path to NASCAR’s highest level.

Berry will replace John Hunter Nemechek, who previously announced he would not return to Legacy after the 2026 season. Berry will finish out his current campaign with Wood Brothers Racing before making his Legacy debut at Daytona International Speedway in February.

For Legacy, the move brings a proven Cup winner into the fold as the organization continues working toward becoming a consistent contender within the Toyota camp.

And Berry believes he’s found a team headed in the right direction.

Josh Berry Lands With Legacy Motor Club for 2027

“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,” Berry said in the team’s announcement. “I’ve had a chance to see this team up close and I know what they’re capable of. The way Jimmie has built this place — the people, the culture, the direction — it’s exactly the kind of environment I want to compete in.”

Berry’s arrival gives Legacy an experienced driver who has already shown he can win at the Cup level.

After years of grinding through Late Model racing and waiting for a sustained opportunity in NASCAR’s national series, Berry eventually earned a full-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series ride in 2022. His first full Cup season came two years later with Stewart-Haas Racing.

When SHR closed after the 2024 season, Berry moved to Wood Brothers Racing and the No. 21 Ford. That partnership produced his breakthrough at NASCAR’s highest level.

Berry scored his first Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2025. He will complete his second season with Wood Brothers Racing before moving to Legacy.

Now the 35-year-old will bring that experience to the No. 42.

Jimmie Johnson Believes Berry Can Make an Impact at Legacy

Legacy principal owner Jimmie Johnson pointed to more than Berry’s results when explaining what attracted the organization to its newest driver.

“Josh is a proven competitor who has earned everything through hard work and getting his hands dirty,” Johnson said. “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.”

The signing is another significant move for an organization that has undergone considerable change in recent years.

Legacy transitioned to Toyota beginning with the 2024 season and has continued building its program under Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management. Adding Berry gives the team a driver with experience across multiple Cup organizations and a pair of victories already on his résumé.

It also creates another ripple in NASCAR’s 2027 Silly Season.

Berry’s move officially fills the No. 42 seat that Nemechek will vacate, while his departure from Wood Brothers Racing creates an opening in the No. 21 Ford for next season.

Those questions will be answered in time.

Legacy already has its answer.

Josh Berry will be behind the wheel of the No. 42 Toyota when the 2027 NASCAR season begins at Daytona.