NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson celebrates 48th birthday

While there isn’t a NASCAR race this Sunday, there is lots to celebrate. Jimmie Johnson, Seven-Time, is 48 years old today. The legendary driver and now team owner has had a tough year in 2023. Hopefully, he is able to have a great time on his birthday, especially without a race today.

Jimmie Johnson was able to accomplish so much in the Cup Series in such a short time when you think about it. His window as the best in the sport lasted well over a decade, but looking back it was almost like a flash in the pan.

Winning five championships in a row, then earning two more in 2013 and 2016, all in the 48 car. Now the man himself is 48. Now that he drives the 84 car, let’s hope that he, and all of us, are around to celebrate that birthday as well.

Johnson thanked those wishing him a happy birthday on his Twitter/X account.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, it’s a big one! 4️⃣8️⃣

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) September 17, 2023

On this raceless Sunday, Jimmie Johnson and his team have a lot to be happy about. While this season has not been the best for LEGACY Motor Club. They parted ways with Noah Gragson, had abysmal results throughout the season in the 43 and 42 car.

However, things are changing for LEGACY. A lot, actually. 2024 is going to be a major year for the organization as it transitions into a new era in its history.

Jimmie Johnson’s LEGACY M.C. making moves

Ever since Noah Gragson’s departure, things have kind of turned around for LEGACY. Jimmie Johnson and the team had made it clear they were swapping to Toyota in 2024 from Chevy. It led to doubts that Gragson would even return, prior to his controversial “like” on Instagram.

So, the swap explains why the Chevy team isn’t doing so hot. It at least is a good excuse. However, LEGACY has now signed their driver of the future and they have what looks like a full-time replacement driver for the rest of this season.

Next year, Erik Jones returns to LEGACY, and he gets a new teammate. Back to Toyota for Jones. He has John Hunter Nemechek, the six-time winner in the Xfinity Series, joining him for 2024. Nemechek has built himself back up from his disappointing attempt at Cup racing. He’s ready to give it another shot.

For now, Carson Hocevar has control of the 42 car and it has produced. Jimmie Johnson saw Hocevar race in the top-5 at times during the Bristol Night Race. While he finished P11, just outside of the top-10, that is the best finish for the 42 team this season. Gragson had a season-best of P12 from the first Atlanta race.

Hocevar is likely headed to Spire Motorsports next season, but he’s impressed Johnson.

Jones has also had successful runs as of late. It feels like this organization is getting ready for next year, and building momentum before they call it quits in 2023.