Jimmie Johnson confirmed on Wednesday that Legacy Motor Club cannot offer a seat to Daniel Suárez for 2026, despite recognizing the Mexican driver as "a great talent" with "excellent sponsor interest." The team co-owner ruled out the driver due to a lack of available seats.
Suárez will end his tenure with Trackhouse Racing at the end of 2025, where Connor Zilisch will take over the #99 car for the upcoming season. With limited options in the driver market, Legacy Motor Club had been considered a possible destination for the Mexican driver.
Photo By Carlos Castillo
Johnson acknowledges interest but rules out options
"Danny is a great friend and someone I keep in touch with," Johnson stated during his media availability. "I've known about his situation for a while through our friendship. He's a great talent, very popular, can perform on any track, and has excellent sponsor interest. A very complete modern NASCAR athlete."
The Legacy co-owner added his admiration for the Monterrey driver's qualities: "A real opportunity for any team owner. I would love to seriously consider him, but I don't have an available seat, plus the fact that I'm not sure if or when we'll secure a seat while we're trying to acquire our third charter."
A real opportunity for any team owner. I would love to seriously consider him, but I don't have an available seat, plus the fact that I'm not sure if or when we'll secure a seat while we're trying to acquire our third charter
Photo By Carlos Castillo
Legacy maintains current structure
Legacy Motor Club currently operates with two full-time cars: John Hunter Nemechek in the #42 and Erik Jones in the #43. Johnson competes part-time in the #84, completing the team's current lineup.
The organization continues its efforts to secure a third charter but faces legal complications in its dispute with Rick Ware Racing over the purchase of a charter. Johnson guaranteed they won't abandon this pursuit, though he didn't establish a specific timeline.
"I would seriously consider him if we were prepared and ready and moving in that direction," Johnson explained about the possibility of adding Suárez. "In this instance, I highly doubt the timing will work out. I think he's a great talent and should have many options."
Photo By Carlos Castillo
Johnson acknowledged that, despite his personal interest in working with Suárez, current circumstances don't allow for viable negotiations. The uncertainty about when Legacy Motor Club might expand to three cars clashes with Suárez's need to secure a seat for 2026.
The situation leaves Suárez searching for options in a limited market, where competitive teams maintain firm contracts with their primary drivers until at least 2026. The Mexican driver, who achieved two wins with Trackhouse Racing (Sonoma 2022 and Atlanta 2024), will have to evaluate alternatives with mid-pack teams or consider a return to the Xfinity Series.
Upcoming Races
Drivers Standings 2026
| POS | PILOTO | PTS | ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Reddick | 186 | |
| 2 | Bubba Wallace | 116 | |
| 3 | Chase Elliott | 114 | |
| 4 | Ryan Blaney | 100 | arrow_up4 |
| 5 | Shane van Gisbergen | 90 | arrow_up11 |
| 6 | Joey Logano | 90 | |
| 7 | Daniel Suarez | 87 | |
| 8 | AJ Allmendinger | 86 | arrow_up10 |
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