“Booo. That’s a Shame” -Jimmie Johnson Severing Ties with Reliant Chevrolet for $281.7 Billion Manufacturer Triggers Heavy Backlash Among Fans

“A legacy I want to create outside of the car.” This is what Jimmie Johnson said when it was announced that he would be assuming a new role as the co-owner of Legacy Motorsports. And now, a few months after his statement, the seven-time Cup Series champion would be seen fielding a fleet of Toyotas in his team.

As announced on Tuesday, Legacy Motor Club will be switching manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. And this would mean that Jimmie Johnson would be severing ties with his long-time original equipment manufacturer Chevrolet next year – the one he has been associated with since he was a kid!

Jimmie Johnson reminisces about his record-breaking success with Chevrolet

The decision for Legacy Motor Club to switch from Chevrolet to Toyota was based on their desire to become a winning team. As reported by Forbes, the Automotive giant Toyota recorded a massive revenue of 281.7 billion in 2022. Moreover, the manufacturers currently field six entries in from Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing in NASCAR.

As reported by Racer’s Kelly Crandall, team co-owner Maury Gallagher feels that the switch is “a better move long-term for us with where we’re at.”

Agreeing with his co-owners perspective, Johnson, who won seven titles in his Chevrolet charters said, “Maury Gallagher [co-owner] and I are very excited about the partnership with Toyota and TRD beginning in 2024.”

Furthermore, while reminiscing about his achievements with Chevrolet, Johnson added,

“I will always be appreciative to Chevrolet and everything we have accomplished together. I’m so thankful they took a chance on a kid from California so long ago and proud that the history books will forever memorialize our record-breaking success we shared.”

READ MORE: Jimmie Johnson Recalls Driving ‘Instinctively’ Behind the Wheel of NASCAR’s Le Mans Entry

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Legacy Motor Club manufacturer switch attracts backlash

It’s true that Legacy Motor Club is desperate to become a winning team. In fact, in one of the episodes of Actions Detrimental, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin expressed his concern over the team’s performance. While discussing how the team has taken a step back from last year, Hamlin predicted, “There’s probably big changes coming pretty soon.”

However, many fans want to know if switching manufacturers is the best way to go about it. Moreover, a few others cannot fathom their favorite driver leaving behind the reliable Chevrolet and joining his past competitor Toyota.

WATCH THIS STORY: “Every King Has to Give Up the Throne Eventually” – After Serious Richard Petty Allegations, Jimmie Johnson Responds as NASCAR Fans React

Will the switch help the team achieve its goal in the 2024 season? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, let us know your views on the switch in the comments below.