Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, is actively scouting promising drivers for the NASCAR Xfinity Series as he aims to grow his Statesville, North Carolina-based team. Johnson intends to increase the organization from its current two NASCAR Cup Series teams to three by 2027, possibly as early as 2026. His key prospects include emerging standouts Jesse Love and rookie Connor Zilisch, who are seen as strong candidates to drive the anticipated third team.
Strong Performances Highlight Xfinity Series Standouts
Jesse Love currently ranks fourth in the driver standings heading into the Chicago Street Race, trailing the leader by 83 points. This season, Love has earned one win and secured eleven top-10 finishes across 17 races. Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch, who achieved a victory in his Xfinity debut at Watkins Glen last September, holds fifth place in points with two wins and eight top-10 finishes. Zilisch is also positioned with the second-best odds to win the 2025 championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Justin Allgaier Leads 2025 Championship Betting Odds
Justin Allgaier enters the weekend with the strongest chance to secure the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, holding favored odds of +170 on FanDuel Sportsbook. Despite solid efforts from Legacy Motor Club drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, both remain winless after 18 races so far this season, emphasizing the team’s motivation to strengthen talent through expansion.
Johnson’s Commitment to Third Team Driven by New Talent Pool
Johnson discussed his plans on the Ask Jimmie podcast, emphasizing their goal to add a third car by 2026 but acknowledging 2027 as a fallback timeline. Highlighting Toyota’s youth development program, Johnson expressed optimism about the emerging talent, especially from the Xfinity Series, and the broader pool of young drivers making early career moves.
“It’s our intentions and ambitions to put a third car on the grid in 2026,”
Johnson stated.
“There’s just questions in my mind and especially wearing my team owner’s hat, we’re looking to add a third car and hoping to get some news soon on that, but where to look, it’s tough.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club co-owner
Upcoming Championship Odds Highlight Contenders
The current odds for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers’ championship, as provided by FanDuel Sportsbook, reflect the competitive landscape among the emerging talents. With Allgaier leading the betting, drivers like Jesse Love and Connor Zilisch remain closely watched as potential challengers who could shape the season’s outcome.