NASCAR Cup series team Legacy Motor Club is set to expand its presence in the Extreme E off-road series this season. The team will be represented by Jimmie Johnson and Gray Leadbetter, who will be driving in the all-electric international championship. This move holds special significance for Johnson, as he started his racing career in off-road trucks before transitioning to stock car racing. He achieved great success in various off-road series in the 1990s, winning over 20 races and earning more than 100 podium finishes. Johnson expressed his excitement about the opportunity to compete in the Extreme E championship and represent America on a global stage. He also highlighted the series’ focus on sustainability, inclusion, and gender equality, as well as the technical advancements in using hydrogen as a fuel in 2025. Returning to his off-road roots is a thrilling prospect for Johnson as a driver.
For the opening two rounds of the 2024 season in Saudi Arabia, Travis Pastrana will step in for Johnson. Pastrana, a six-time U.S. rally champion and the 2021 Nitrocross champion, will take Johnson’s place in the No. 84 Odyssey 21. Although he has experience with electric vehicles and off-road events, this will be Pastrana’s first time driving an Extreme E Odyssey 21. Pastrana expressed his confidence in Johnson and Legacy Motor Club and eagerly accepted the opportunity to compete in the championship.
Both Johnson and Pastrana will be joined by Gray Leadbetter, who will be making her debut in Extreme E. Leadbetter, a 19-year-old off-road prodigy, has been a strong contender in the Nitrocross Side-by-Side championship. She currently sits third in the standings, with impressive performances including podium finishes. Leadbetter expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to race with Johnson and Legacy Motor Club, describing it as a dream come true. Despite her lack of experience with these cars, she is excited about the adventure and is confident in her abilities. Leadbetter will be the second-youngest driver to compete in Extreme E, following in the footsteps of Lia Block, who made her debut at the age of 16.
Pastrana praised Leadbetter’s talent and expressed his excitement about competing alongside her in the championship. He highlighted her status as a top young female talent in Nitrocross and emphasized their shared goal of representing their country and bringing home a victory.
According to the Source racer.com