Int the early days of NASCAR drivers came to the track often driving the family car.  At any given time, fans could see six or eight different styles of cars.  In this modern era of NASCAR, the ruling body determines not only what manufacturers can race; but which models as well.

Currently teams drive either a Ford Mustang, a Chevrolet Camaro, or Toyota Camry. 

For many year Richard Petty drivers ran a Chevrolet; but beginning with the 2024 season, the Legacy Motorsports drivers Noah Gragson and Erik Jones will be joining the ranks of the Toyota drivers. 

With the addition of Legacy Motor Club, Toyota will have eight cars in the field beginning next season.  At present Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs; along with 23XI Racing drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are the only teams running a Toyota in the Cup Series.

In 2021 Richard Petty Racing and GMS Motorsports merged to become Petty GMS Racing.

Late last year seven time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson rejoined the ranks of NASCAR after retiring form IndyCar in 2022.  With the addition of Johnson to Petty GMS Racing, the name was changed to Legacy Motor Club.  Along with his ownership duties, Johnson has planned to run in a handful of races this season driving the number 84 car.

Driving a Toyota will be nothing new for Gragson and Jones who began their NASCAR racing careers in a Toyota driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

President of Toyota Racing Development David Wilson noted that they were interested in “quality not quantity” when it comes to Toyotas in the NASCAR Cup Series.

With Martin Truex Jr’s win at Dove Motor Speedway on Monday, Toyota has three victories in the 2023 Cup season.