Jimmie Johnson might have just made one of the smartest moves of NASCAR’s 2027 silly season.
Legacy Motor Club announced Wednesday that Josh Berry will take over the iconic No. 42 Toyota beginning next season, replacing John Hunter Nemechek.
And honestly?
This could get very interesting.
Berry is coming off one of the hottest stretches of his Cup career. The 35-year-old has finished inside the top 10 in six consecutive races, including a third-place finish at New Hampshire and a fourth at Iowa.
He is also bringing something Legacy desperately needs: experience.
Berry has bounced through Stewart-Haas Racing and Wood Brothers Racing during his first three full-time Cup seasons and already has a win on his résumé, taking the 2025 Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas.
Now he gets a fresh start with Jimmie Johnson’s organization.
And the No. 42 isn’t exactly some random number.
Lee Petty drove it.
Richard Petty drove it.
Kyle Petty drove it.
Kyle Larson drove it.
Now Josh Berry gets his turn.
That’s a hell of a list to join.
Legacy has struggled to find consistency in the Cup Series, but Berry arrives at exactly the right time. He has momentum, confidence and something to prove.
Maybe this isn’t just another silly-season driver swap.
Maybe Jimmie Johnson just found the guy who can finally get the No. 42 back where it belongs.
Up front.
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