Legacy Motor Club is set to expand to a three-car team in the NASCAR Cup Series starting with the 2027 season, but the identity of its third full-time driver remains uncertain. Several promising candidates have emerged as potential drivers amid the ongoing developments throughout NASCAR’s 2026 season.
Potential Candidates for Legacy Motor Club’s Third Car
According to Stockcar Rumors & Nostalgia, Jesse Love and Riley Herbst are among the frontrunners to secure the third full-time driver position at Legacy Motor Club in 2027. Each driver brings distinct strengths and challenges that could influence the team’s final decision.
Jesse Love, 21, is regarded as one of NASCAR’s top young prospects, second only to Corey Heim for the 2026 season. As a development driver for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Love currently receives occasional Cup Series experience behind the wheel of the No. 33 car. However, integrating him into Legacy Motor Club could be complicated due to his ties with RCR.
Kyle Busch is entering a contract year with RCR and might move to a different team for 2027, which could free up the No. 8 car at RCR. Austin Dillon, who is assuming greater leadership roles within RCR, could advocate for Love to fill a full-time seat there, helping him gain valuable Next Gen car experience early in his career.
On the other hand, Riley Herbst might be a more attainable target for Legacy Motor Club. Currently, Herbst drives the No. 35 car full time at 23XI Racing but faces pressure given the team’s strong performance this year from teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. With 23XI potentially ready to give Corey Heim a full-time Cup ride following his record-breaking Truck Series season, Herbst’s spot could become available.
How Herbst’s Background Aligns with Legacy Motor Club
Herbst could offer value beyond his driving abilities due to his connections with Monster Energy and his family’s financial backing. Such sponsorship ties would be advantageous for Legacy Motor Club, potentially easing budget concerns and reducing immediate expectations compared to bigger teams.
Corey Heim, who many consider prepared for full-time Cup racing, is currently balancing schedules between the Cup, Truck, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. If Herbst moves on from 23XI Racing, Heim could step in, freeing Herbst for opportunities elsewhere, including Legacy Motor Club.
What Could Lie Ahead for Legacy Motor Club’s Driver Lineup
Expanding to a three-car operation indicates Legacy Motor Club’s ambitions to strengthen its presence in the NASCAR Cup Series. Securing the right third driver will be crucial for their competitiveness and future growth. Whether Legacy opts for the high-potential but currently committed Jesse Love or the more immediately accessible Riley Herbst with strong sponsorship backing, the team’s decision will shape its direction heading into 2027.
As NASCAR’s silly season unfolds, all eyes will remain on these drivers and organizations like Richard Childress Racing and 23XI Racing. The shifts in driver rosters could influence team dynamics across the series as emerging stars like Corey Heim and established drivers work to secure their Cup Series futures.
