AVONDALE, AZ — Maury Gallagher has the financial resources to make this work. He just needs the talent around him to make him a winner. Gallagher, CEO of Allegiant Air, founded a race team years ago with hopes of becoming the next big name in NASCAR.

They were formed in 2011 as an ARCA team. Two years later they ventured into the Truck Series. Three years after that, the Xfinity Series. They didn’t shutter any of the other teams while expanding either. It was part of the plan to build a foundation before building up.

Over the last decade, owner Gallagher built a victorious team, capturing two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships, one ARCA Menards Series title, and two ARCA Menards Series East championships, as well as 65 wins and 235 top-five finishes across six series.

He wanted more however.

On June 17 of last year, they stated their interest of moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series. They just didn’t know at the time how they’d do so without charters and were preparing themselves to show up as an open team. On Oct. 10, they unveiled their plans for that single car that it would be driven by Ty Dillon. Less than two months later, they found their charters.

GMS spent $19-million to be the majority owners of Richard Petty Motorsports. That granted them two charters including inheriting the famed 43 car. GMS isn’t dumb though. Why force the Petty’s out. So they rebranded – Petty GMS Racing and would in turn use car numbers 42 and 43.

They now had a seven-time champion in Richard Petty under their umbrella. It only took 27 races before they’d become Cup winners with Erik Jones in the Southern 500. Now, as the wrap up the 2022 season on Sunday, Petty GMS Racing brought on another legend.

Jimmie Johnson.

On Friday, the organization announced the addition of a second seven-time champion to the ownership board and now has a rapidly growing Cup business that’s trying to emulate that of Trackhouse Racing and to what Justin Marks is doing over there.

“I couldn’t be happier to have Jimmie Johnson joining Petty GMS,” stated Gallagher “We have been consistent since we began our Cup effort last year in wanting to be up front and have a winning program. No one in the modern era of NASCAR has won more than Jimmie. Having a driver, the caliber of Jimmie, driving our equipment and being able to provide feedback to our crew chiefs and engineers but most importantly, mentoring Erik and Noah will be invaluable. Perhaps most important of all, Jimmie will be a great partner.  I know I speak for all the Petty GMS team members, including Richard Petty, in welcoming Jimmie to the team.  No one else will be able to say they have two seven-time Cup champions on their team. We are looking to make a strong statement next year and show that we are here to contend for wins and championships. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Is the rise too quick?

They don’t think so. They know that they’re not getting any younger and in order to be able to witness the success to what they’re putting together, it has to happen in a smaller window.

As a result, it has created some stress in their rapid ascension but it’s well worth it too.

“What an exciting time for Petty GMS,” said Petty. “This year we’ve accomplished so much together with Maury and now adding Jimmie will only continue to help us grow. To have Jimmie – another seven-time champion – as a part of the team, and his abilities both on track and off will be special for Petty GMS. I’m looking forward to having him as a part of our team and seeing what we can build together.”