Legacy MC (LMC) is gearing up to make its debut in the Extreme E Championship, a FIA-sanctioned international off-road racing series. The team will field two full-time entries in NASCAR’s Cup Series and a part-time entry for Jimmie Johnson, a record-tying seven-time Cup champion. Joining the championship with drivers Travis Pastrana and Gray Leadbetter, LMC aims to represent America in this unique and competitive series.
The entry of Legacy MC into the Extreme E championship is considered a significant achievement, particularly following the departure of Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team, Chip Ganassi Racing, and the Abt Cupra team over the off-season. Championship manager Ali Russell described LMC’s participation as “a huge coup.” With the opportunity to field an off-road vehicle in this international racing series, LMC is ready to take on the challenge.
Jimmie Johnson expressed his excitement and pride in representing America in the Extreme E Championship. As a highly accomplished driver with a illustrious racing career, Johnson is eager to watch the Legacy Motor Club colors race on foreign soil while he competes in the “Great American Race” at Daytona. He is confident that drivers Travis Pastrana and Gray Leadbetter will represent LMC exceptionally well, and he eagerly awaits their accomplishments on the track.
Travis Pastrana, a motorsports legend with three motocross championships and multiple X Games gold medals, is no stranger to racing on diverse terrains. Even though he has never driven an Extreme E Odyssey 21 before, Pastrana believes that his experience in electric vehicles and off-road events will contribute to his adaptability in this new racing series. His faith in Jimmie Johnson and Legacy M.C. made the decision to join LMC for Extreme E a no-brainer for him.
In contrast, Gray Leadbetter, a rising talent at only 19 years old, is comparatively new to the racing scene. However, she has already made significant strides in her career, becoming the first woman to win a U.S. Pro Class Championship in the Championship Off-Road closed-course series. Leadbetter’s journey began at the young age of five when she started competing in Arenacross events. Her remarkable achievements and passion for racing have positioned her as a promising talent in the sport. When Travis Pastrana offered her the opportunity to race with Jimmie Johnson and Legacy M.C., she couldn’t contain her excitement and eagerly embraced the adventure that awaits her.
Looking Towards the Future
Although LMC is focusing on its participation in the Extreme E Championship, Jimmie Johnson plans to compete in select events as his schedule permits. However, from a technical standpoint, Johnson finds the transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles in the 2025 season intriguing. Like the rest of the motorsports community, he will closely observe this shift and its impact on racing.
Legacy MC’s entry into the Extreme E Championship marks an exciting new chapter for the team. With drivers Travis Pastrana and Gray Leadbetter at the helm, LMC aims to make a strong statement in this international off-road racing series. Representing America, the team is prepared to take on the challenges and adventures that lie ahead. As the racing community eagerly watches the development of the Extreme E Championship, the Legacy MC team is set to leave their mark on the sport.
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