# Jimmie Johnson Details Tough Choice Between Nemechek and Berry

> Jimmie Johnson says Josh Berry’s recent success wasn’t the main reason Legacy Motor Club moved on from John Hunter Nemechek.
- Title: Jimmie Johnson Details Tough Choice Between Nemechek and Berry
- Summary: Jimmie Johnson says Josh Berry’s recent success wasn’t the main reason Legacy Motor Club moved on from John Hunter Nemechek. Jimmie Johnson clarifies that…
- Keywords: jimmie johnson, legacy motor club, john hunter nemechek, josh berry, nascar, cup series, wood brothers racing, sports, Jimmie, Johnson, Details, Tough
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-not-the-sole-reason-jimmie-johnson-breaks-silence-on-true-reason-behind-john-hunter-nemecheks-legacy-mc-exit
- Author: Aaradhya Singh
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:14:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jimmie johnson, legacy motor club, john hunter nemechek, josh berry, nascar, cup series, wood brothers racing, sports
## Legacy Motor Club's Driver Decision
Jimmie Johnson says Legacy Motor Club’s switch from John Hunter Nemechek to Josh Berry wasn’t solely due to Berry’s recent results.

> I feel like it doesn’t hurt, but it’s not the sole reason behind it.
## Johnson's Role in Decision
Johnson explained the switch involved performance, long-term planning, and responsibilities to partners, investors, and team members.
## Legacy's Data Analysis
Legacy studied three years of performance data, including qualifying results and race execution, to choose Berry over Nemechek.
## Berry's Recent Form
Berry achieved a seventh place at Indianapolis, fourth at Iowa, eighth at Richmond, and a season-best third at New Hampshire.
## Contract and Timing Factors
Nemechek had an auto-renewal contract earlier in the summer, but Legacy decided to move in a different direction for 2027.
## Johnson's Support for Nemechek
Johnson said he deeply cares for John Hunter Nemechek and hopes he finds a competitive seat for 2027.
## Legacy's 2027 Plan
Legacy will field three full-time Cup cars in 2027 with Berry, Erik Jones, and Riley Herbst.
## Key takeaway

Jimmie Johnson clarifies that Josh Berry’s strong late-season results were not the primary factor in Legacy Motor Club’s decision to replace John Hunter Nemechek.