Jason Burdett, whose resume boasts nearly three decades of working with championship-caliber organizations across the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series, will join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for the 2024 season, the team announced Tuesday.
A native of Arkport, New York, Burdett will serve as the new shot-caller for the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, which will be driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB co-owner Jimmie Johnson.
Burdett joins LEGACY MOTOR CLUB directly after a nine-season stint with JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he served as crew chief for Regan Smith, Justin Allgaier, and most recently, Brandon Jones.
"I'm excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and reunite with Jimmie,” said Burdett. “I was part of Jimmie’s team when it all began and witnessed his first win in 2002. I am amazed at the LEGACY Jimmie has created throughout the years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing that LEGACY with him. Partnering with Toyota and their successful history in motorsports is remarkable for our organization. I am dedicated to maximizing our success at the racetrack, to accomplish Cup Series win No. 84 with the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, and write a new chapter in our LEGACY."
To date, Johnson has only been confirmed to compete in three NASCAR Cup Series events next season, with AdventHealth providing sponsorship at Texas, Charlotte, and Kansas. However, LEGACY M.C. plans to release the remainder of the El Cahon, California-native's schedule in early 2024.
The relationship between Johnson and Burdette is pre-existing, with the NASCAR veteran having worked at Hendrick Motorsports from 2001 to 2006 as a tire specialist, and then again from 2008 to 2014 as a car chief - first for the No. 24, then the No. 88.
“I have a very long history of working with Jason at Hendrick Motorsports – we spent a lot of time together throughout the years,” said Johnson. “Jason is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in the sport, he’s solid and he’s created an amazing LEGACY for himself. I’ve always had a great working relationship with him, and I’m just genuinely excited he has joined the Club.”
Burdett was a crucial part in Johnson capturing the NASCAR Cup Series title in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013. After his role with Hendrick Motorsports ended, Burdett netted 18 victories as an Xfinity Series crew chief.
Despite Johnson's role being part-time as far as driving is concerned, Burdett will be full-time at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, as he assists in transitioning the team from Chevrolet to Toyota with his myriad of experience.
“Jason comes to LEGACY M.C. at a great time,” said Joey Cohen, vice president, of race operations. “Not only is he a perfect fit to lead our 84 team with JJ and their past experiences, but he also will help tremendously in the operational transition to Toyota and greatly assist the crew chiefs on the Nos. 42 and 43 teams. We are excited for Jason to begin his LEGACY and continue his winning ways with our Club. Additionally, Evan and Robbie bring consistency and experience to the Club and they will work great alongside Jason.”
Evan Bensch, lead engineer, and Robbie Fairweather, car chief, will work alongside Johnson and Burdett as they look to further cement an already ironclad resume for the 83-time NASCAR Cup Series winner.
Image Courtesy of Craig White, Racing America
