The Days to Daytona countdown has finally hit the single digits. Only 9 days separate race fans from on-track action at Daytona International Speedway. After a season of controversy, struggle, and change, the #42 Legacy Motor Club will hope for more stability. Along with the switch to Toyota, John Hunter Nemechek will be the third announcement fulltime driver since the 42 returned. Will the team find stability in 2024?
#42 Legacy Motor Club
Driver: John Hunter Nemechek
Crew Chief: Ben Beshore
Sponsors: Mobil1, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, ROMCO, Pye Barker Fire and Safety
2024 Season Preview
Xfinity Standout Receives Call Up
There is no denying that John Hunter Nemechek was the best driver in the Xfinity Series last year. Despite missing out on the championship, Nemechek dominated from start to finish. Nemechek led the series in wins (8), Top-5s (17), and laps led (1,083). Now, Nemechek returns to the Cup Series in the 42 Legacy Motor Club car. Nemechek is the latest of the hotshot Xfinity standouts to get the call. In recent history, success has not been immediate. However, Nemechek has a full Cup season under his belt. Plus, Ty Gibbs ran a solid campaign after his dominate 2022.
Did the Career Reset Work?
As mentioned earlier, John Hunter Nemechek ran the 2020 season for Front Row Motorsports. While he ran respectfully enough to likely receive an opportunity to drive the 38 in 2021, Nemechek decided to bet on himself and returned the Truck Series. Now in the Toyota pipeline, the goal was to return to the Cup Series in a better situation than Front Row in 2020. Well, it is tough to make that determination prior to the 2024 season. On one hand, Nemechek is driving for a Toyota-backed team who should have strong support from the manufacturer. At the same time, Front Row (via the 34) has become perennial playoff contenders. Meanwhile, Legacy Motor Club imploded last season. Time will tell if Nemechek made the right call to reset his career arc.
Driver Stability
Since being reintroduced for the 2022 season, there have been six different drivers for the 42 car. Even John Hunter Nemechek has sampled the 42 car, racing it at Homestead last year. This team (and organization) needs stability to help it grow. Toyota’s plan is that Nemechek will be that stabilizing force behind the wheel. With that said, Toyota has never been shy to drop a driver if they need to elevate someone else. Currently, Toyota could have at least 2-3 potential Cup Series prospects between their Xfinity and Truck endeavors. While stability would be wise, Nemechek will need to demonstrate that ability necessary to allow stability to occur.
Daytona 500 Chances
Although John Hunter Nemechek has previous Cup experience at Daytona, that was in the former generation of stock car. Nemechek has yet to run a superspeedway race in the NextGen. If the old car could be any indication, Nemechek collected 2 eighth place finishes at Talladega. Add in a Xfinity Series win at the reconfigured Atlanta, Nemechek has a decent track record on the drafting tracks.
Speedweeks Outlook
How will the new Toyota body run on at Daytona? If they hit on it well, then John Hunter Nemechek could qualify well. Based on his lone duel race, a solid starting position will be important for his Daytona 500 starting position. A good starting position for the Daytona 500 does not guarantee success though. Out of the new drivers to the Cup Series this year, Nemechek might be in the best position to compete for the Daytona 500.
Previous Days
40-36 Days: 40 – #12, 39 – #5, 38 – #24, 37 – #20, & 36 – #11
35-31 Days: 35 – #45, 34 – #17, 33 – #6, 32 – #1, & #31 – #9
30-26 Days:Â 30 – #19, 29 – #22, 28 – #4, 27 – #8, & 26 – #34
25-21 Days: 25 – #34, 24 – #23, 23 – #54, 22 – #99, & 21 – #48
20-16 Days: 20 – #16, 19 – #10, 18 – #41, 17 – #2, & 16 – #31
15-11 Days: 15 – #7, 14 – #43, 13 – #38, 12 – #3, & 11 – #14
10-6 Days: 10 – #21
