Legacy Motor Club has tapped Mike Rockenfeller to pilot its No. 42 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series for the next two races, the organization announced August 8.
The road course veteran will step in the ride at Watkins Glen International and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
The move follows normal driver Noah Gragson being suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and the team.
Rockenfeller recently earned a top five in his fourth IMSA Weather Tech SportsCar Championship start of the season. He also competed with Legacy co-owner Jimmie Johnson in NASCAR’s Garage 56 project at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The two were also teammates at Action Express for two seasons in IMSA.
“After racing with Jimmie in IMSA for two years and together in the Garage 56 program not only were we teammates, but we are now great friends,” Rockenfeller said. “To get to race for him in the NASCAR Cup Series for LEGACY M.C. with him as a co-owner is such a true honor. It’s going to be a huge challenge as I have never raced at Indy. I was dreaming about being in a Cup Series car again and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I will try my best in this short timeframe to come together with the team and have a great race in Indy.”
Rockenfeller made two Cup starts in 2022 at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, driving the No. 77 for Spire Motorsports. His best finish, 29th, came at the latter track.
Legacy has not made an official announcement about Gragson’s future status with the team past Watkins Glen, but sources tell The Athletic he has parted ways with the organization.
About the author
Luken Glover arrived on the Frontstretch scene in 2020. He has been an avid NASCAR fan for the majority of his life, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who used to help former team owner Junie Donlavey in his garage. Glover covers news for the site and took over "The Underdog House" column in 2021. In addition to being a college junior, his hobbies include volunteering at church, playing basketball and tennis, racing go-karts, and helping at his high school alma mater.
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