Legacy Motor Club (LMC), co-owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, is actively seeking a third NASCAR charter to broaden its presence in the Cup Series. The team, which currently fields two full-time Toyota cars along with a part-time entry, is exploring options to secure a third charter, including a potential acquisition or merger with the Haas Factory Team, following complications in purchasing a charter from Rick Ware Racing (RWR).
Rumors have surfaced that LMC is considering taking over the No. 41 charter, which is presently driven by Cole Custer and maintained by the Haas race shop. This No. 41 Ford entry was inherited by Haas after Stewart-Haas Racing closed at the conclusion of last season. Supporting these reports, Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace‘s spotter and host of the podcast Door, Bumper, Clear, hinted at a Toyota-affiliated team possibly negotiating to acquire the Haas charter, as reported by Frontstretch.
Jimmie Johnson’s Vision for a Third Car in the Coming Years
During a question-and-answer segment on his podcast Never Settle, Johnson discussed the emerging young drivers within the Toyota development program across the Xfinity and Cup Series. He also outlined his ambition to introduce a third car for LMC by 2026 or, at the latest, 2027.
“I think you also look through the garage area in the Cup Series, and there’s some young talent that took early steps to get into vehicles. So they’re just questions in my mind, especially wearing my team owner’s hat. We’re looking to expand to a third car and hope to announce some stuff here in the near future around that. But where to look, it’s tough,” Jimmie Johnson said.
“It’s our intentions and ambitions to put a third car on the grid in ’26. I’d say, worst case scenario, ’27, but we’re working hard to make 26 happen,” he added.
Legal Challenges Stall Legacy Motor Club’s Charter Acquisition
At the center of LMC’s bid to expand is an ongoing legal dispute with Rick Ware Racing over the sale of a NASCAR charter. In June, LMC filed a lawsuit alleging that RWR agreed to sell one of its charters specifically for the 2026 season. However, RWR contends that it intends to lease one charter to RFK Racing for 2026 and only transfer a charter to Legacy Motor Club in 2027.
A North Carolina court recently placed a temporary restraining order on the sale of RWR’s charter to T.J. Puchyr, preventing any transfer for a period of 10 days. LMC must post a $5 million bond by August 8 in order to maintain their legal standing. The court will also deliberate on Legacy’s request for a preliminary injunction, with a trial scheduled for January. Additionally, Legacy has initiated a separate lawsuit accusing Puchyr of interfering with their charter deal.
Implications of Legacy Motor Club’s Expansion Plans
The pursuit of a third charter is a critical step for Legacy Motor Club’s growth and competitive strategy in the NASCAR Cup Series. Successfully adding a third car could strengthen the team’s talent development pipeline and increase its on-track presence. However, the ongoing legal conflict with Rick Ware Racing introduces uncertainty, delaying the final acquisition and requiring judicial resolution before LMC can move forward.
Meanwhile, a potential merger or acquisition of the Haas Factory Team’s charter represents an alternative path that could accelerate Legacy Motor Club’s expansion. How these negotiations develop will be closely watched by NASCAR fans and industry insiders, as the outcomes will influence the competitive landscape in the coming seasons.
