Cal Wells III, a former NASCAR Cup Series team owner, has been named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, the team announced Wednesday. The newly-named position will take immediate effect for Wells, who had been serving as a consultant for the organization recently.
In 1979, Wells kickstarted his professional career by founding Precision Preparation, Inc. (PPI), with his relationship with car manufacturer Toyota beginning just three years later, in 1982. Over the next 25 years, PPI dominated the off-road circuit, fielded multiple entries in open-wheel racing, and scored a pair of victories at the highest level in the NASCAR Cup Series with Ricky Craven.
After PPI, Wells led a successful restructuring of Michael Waltrip Racing as the organization's Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President, positions he remained in until 2011, when he branched off on his own to found LNGA Consulting, to offer his vast knowledge of building businesses in motorsports, aviation, and security to clients.
"I am truly honored and excited to be part of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB," said 68-year-old Wells. "Together, we will build on the strong foundation and accomplishments of the past, while driving forward with renewed focus and collaboration. The future performance of all facets of this club will be something we will all be proud of for years to come. It's going to be something special."
Maury Gallagher, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, has proven his eye for ability, tapping Erik Jones and Noah Gragson, both accomplished drivers in NASCAR's Xfinity and Truck Series, to pilot the organization's two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries.
Gallagher has also earned the title of a successful entrepreneur, currently serving as the Chairman of Allegiant Travel Company and the Chair of the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII Committee in Las Vegas.
"Cal's start with LEGACY MC is the start of a new era," Gallagher said. "With the addition of Cal, we have the right people in place. He has more than 40 years of experience in racing and his senior management experience will shine through immediately. We have had a season of many changes starting with Jimmie [Johnson] partnering with the team and the re-branding of our team, so the addition of Cal is icing on the cake for us, right now."
Johnson, a seven-time champion of the NASCAR Cup Series, recently joined the ownership group of what was known as Petty GMS Motorsports in 2022, transforming the company's brand into what it has become today, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.
"I've known Cal for my entire career, and we are delighted to welcome him to club," said Johnson. "His impressive background and deep understanding of the industry - on both the racing and business side - make him a perfect fit for the role. Under Cal's guidance, we are confident his leadership will take us to the next level during many upcoming transitions of the manufacturer change, as well as continuing to build our brand."
Earlier this year, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced that the two-car NASCAR Cup Series organization would be switching from Chevrolet to Toyota, starting in 2024.
Image Credit: Tim Parks, HHP, Courtesy of Chevy Racing
