LMC, which fields two full-time entries in NASCAR’s Cup Collection and a part-time entry for Johnson, will make its Excessive E debut within the 17-18 February Desert X Prix with drivers Travis Pastrana and Grey Leadbetter.
Excessive E is an FIA-sanctioned worldwide off-road racing sequence that makes use of spec silhouette electrical SUVs to race in distant components of the world. By the 2025 season, the sequence will transition to turn out to be Excessive H when it should run beneath hydrogen energy.
The staff’s entry into the championship follows the departure of Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team, Chip Ganassi Racing and the Abt Cupra staff over the low season, and was described by championship supervisor Ali Russell as “an enormous coup”.
“The chance for LEGACY MC to discipline an off-road car within the Excessive E championship is thrilling in some ways,” mentioned Johnson, who received a record-tying seven Cup titles.
“We’re primarily representing America on this distinctive and really aggressive sequence, and we’re dedicated to the problem.
“I’m excited to look at our Legacy Motor Membership colors race on overseas soil for the primary time whereas I’m in Daytona for the ‘Nice American Race.’
“I do know Travis and Grey will signify us effectively and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
#24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of Jimmie Johnson
Picture by: JEP / Motorsport Images
Each Pastrana and Leadbetter will make their Excessive E debuts.
Leadbetter, 19, began driving within the Championship Off-Street sequence in 2019 and was the primary girl to win a U.S. Professional Class Championship within the Championship Off-Street closed-course sequence, successful 4 races general to take the crown.
In December 2020, she was the primary girl and youngest competitor to win a Sportsman SXS race. She began competing in Arenacross when she was 5 years {old}.
“When Travis texted me final week that there may be an opportunity to race with Jimmie Johnson and Legacy M.C., I couldn’t have been extra thrilled,” Leadbetter mentioned.
“I’ve by no means pushed these automobiles so it’s positive to be an journey, however I can be in nice firm.”
Pastrana in the meantime is a motorsports legend. A 3-time motocross champion, he’s a multi-time and multi-disciplinary X Video games gold medalist with a flexible and high-profile racing profession that has additionally ventured into NASCAR with a Daytona 500 outing final yr for 23XI Racing.
“I’ve fairly a little bit of expertise in electrical autos, though I’ve by no means been in an Excessive E Odyssey 21 earlier than,” mentioned Pastrana, a daily on the Race of Champions invitational occasions.
“I compete in plenty of off-road occasions and a few desert stuff – totally on two wheels – however this ought to be actually enjoyable for us.
Travis Pastrana, 23XI Racing, Black Rifle Espresso Toyota Camry, Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Membership, Carvana Chevrolet Camaro
Picture by: NASCAR Media
“I imagine in Jimmie Johnson and in Legacy M.C. and all he’s doing with the Membership, so when he requested me, it was a no brainer.”
Johnson plans to compete in some occasions as his schedule permits.
“From a technical standpoint the changeover to hydrogen in 2025 is admittedly intriguing and your entire motorsports group is watching carefully,” he mentioned.
“Personally for me as a driver, going again to my off-road roots and to the kind of racing I began my profession with goes to be a blast.”