Big changes are revving up in the NASCAR Cup Series, and one young driver is emerging as the frontrunner to fill a major new seat. Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, is expanding to three charters in 2027, and the buzz around who will drive that third car is all but settled.
According to insider reports, the team’s year-long search is “effectively over,” with 23XI Racing’s Riley Herbst as the clear favorite to take the wheel. At just 27 years old, Herbst is showing serious growth after a rocky rookie season. In 2025, he struggled to find his footing, finishing outside the top 10 in every race and posting some of the worst average starting and finishing positions among full-time drivers. But 2026 tells a different story. Through 12 races, Herbst has slashed his average starting position by nearly seven spots and secured his first top-10 finish since 2023 at the Daytona 500. He’s also cracked the top 20 four times this season, signaling a major turnaround.
Herbst’s value goes beyond raw stats. He’s proven to be a team player, pushing teammate Tyler Reddick to a win at Daytona and putting in strong work in the simulator. For a relatively young team like Legacy, that kind of chemistry is gold. Even more important? Herbst brings serious financial backing. The Herbst family owns a massive convenience store chain, and he has a long-standing relationship with Monster Energy. Pair that with his on-track improvements, and it’s easy to see why he’s the top candidate to join Legacy Motor Club next season.
This expansion is creating a ripple effect across the Cup Series. Legacy acquired a third charter for 2027, which impacts teams like 23XI and RFK Racing, who are now adjusting their own plans. For fans, this signals a new chapter for Legacy Motor Club—and a potential breakout moment for Herbst.
Whether you’re cheering for the underdog or just love the thrill of the offseason rumor mill, one thing is clear: the 2027 grid is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. Stay tuned.