What’s Happening?

NASCAR Hall of Famer and Seven-Time Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club is suing Rick Ware Racing over a charter sale gone wrong. Here’s the story so far and what you need to know.

• LMC claims that RWR “wants to back out” of selling them one of their two charters. RWR allegedly claims that they thought this agreement would be for the 2027 season, while LMC claims it would be for the 2026 season.
• Both teams currently own two charters. LMC uses their two for John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 42 and Erik Jones in the No. 43. One of RWR’s charters is entered by the No. 51 of Cody Ware, while RFK Racing leases the other.
• Charters are among the most valuable assets in the NASCAR Cup Series. Fifteen teams own one to four of the 36 available charters. Each charter provides the team with revenue sharing and automatic entry into all 36 NASCAR Cup Series points races.
• As of September 19, 2025 the two sides have settled this dispute.

September 19: Team’s Settle Outside of Court

On September 19, the two teams announced via a joint statement that they had agreed to terms of a settlement in which LMC will acquire a charter from RWR. The statement was vague about when this would be, though RWR told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports they will remain chartered for 2026, suggesting the deal is for the 2027 season.

August 22: RWR’s Sale to T.J. Puchyr on Hold

Per a ruling LMC has been granted a preliminary injunction that will hold RWR from selling their charters until litigation is concluded between the two teams.

July 31: LMC Granted 10-Day Temporary Restraining Order Pausing Sale of RWR to T.J. Puchyr

In a major victory, LMC has been granted a restraining order holding off RWR’s sale to Puchyr for the moment.

July 16:LMC Sues RWR’s New Owner

LMC is suing former Spire Motorsports co-founder, T.J. Puchyr who plans to purchase Rick Ware Racing.

June 26: Rick Ware Racing Sells to Former Spire Motorsports Co-Founder

In a shocking turn of events, former Spire Motorsports co-founder T.J. Puchyr has purchased Rick Ware Racing. While things will remain calm in 2026, the team plans to retain both charters and expand to three in 2027. In an interview with Jenna Fryer of AP Sports, Puchyr seemed confident that RWR would walk away from the LMC lawsuit with both of their charters.

June 18: Rick Ware Racing Counter Sues LMC

RWR has filed a countersuit against LMC.

April 30 (PM): LMC Wants to Buy a Charter Currently Used by RFK Racing 

LMC alleges that RWR was set to sell them Charter 27, which is currently used by RFK Racing. However, RWR needs Charter 27 to operate next season as they are already in agreement to lease RFK Charter 31 after they return Charter 27 at season’s end.

April 30 (AM): LMC Denied Preliminary Injunction

LMC has been denied its motion for preliminary injunction in its ongoing lawsuit with fellow NASCAR Cup Series team Rick Ware Racing.

April 9: LMC Obtains Temporary Restraining Order

LMC has obtained a Temporary Restraining Order preventing RWR from selling or leasing the charter for 10 days or until the two parties reach a deal.

April 8: LMC Paid a Record Price for RWR’s Charter

On the Apr. 8 episode of the Dale Jr Download, Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic reported that LMC paid a record-breaking $45 million for this charter, squashing 2024 sales in the mid-$20 million range and the former record set by Spire Motorsports of $40 million.

April 2: RWR Claims LMC is Distorting the Facts

RWR released a statement claiming that this lawsuit “distorts the actual facts and is a misguided attempt to tarnish our reputation.” While this could be in reference to the lawsuit’s main claims, it could also reference claims in the suit about RWR’s financial status.

April 1: LMC Sues RWR

Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic reports that LMC is suing RWR, alleging the Ford team attempted to back out of a Charter Sale.

This article will be updated as the story develops.