LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is promoting Chais Eliason, the long-time strategy manager and performance engineer of the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE, to crew chief of the entry, with immediate effect, the team confirmed on Thursday.
Eliason will be calling the shots on the No. 42 for the remaining eight NASCAR Cup Series events of 2026, with John Hunter Nemechek behind the wheel, before taking on his first full-time campaign as a crew chief in 2027, with Josh Berry driving the entry.
“I’m grateful to LEGACY for the opportunity to take this next step in my career,” said Eliason. “I’ve learned a lot working with this group throughout the season, and I’m looking forward to putting that experience to work as we finish out 2026 with John Hunter and begin preparing for 2027. We have a strong group of people around this team, and I’m excited to lead them through the remainder of the season.”
The promotion is the culmination of a goal that Eliason has spent his career working towards and aligns with LEGACY’s ongoing commitment to developing talent from within and intentionally building for the organization’s future.
“Promoting from within and giving our people the opportunity to grow is central to how we’re building LEGACY,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “Chais has shown throughout this season that he’s ready for this. We’re looking forward to seeing what he and the No. 42 team can accomplish over these final eight races and into 2027.”
Eliason will take over the role from veteran crew chief, Travis Mack, who departs LEGACY MOTOR CLUB after spending the last two seasons with the organization as crew chief of the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE.
“We’re thankful to Travis for his many contributions to LEGACY and the No. 42 team,” said Johnson. “He has played a pivotal role in this organization and helping the CLUB during an important period of growth. We appreciate the foundation for excellence that he has helped build at LEGACY and wish him continued success in his next endeavor.”
Nemechek and his new crew chief, Eliason, will tackle the Bass Pro Shops Night Race this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will announce the complete 2027 lineup for the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, to be driven by Riley Herbst, in the coming weeks.
