A federal court has temporarily blocked Rick Ware Racing’s attempt to sell its NASCAR team due to a legal conflict triggered by Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club. The dispute centres on the ownership and sale timing of NASCAR charters—licenses that guarantee race entries and financial benefits. This pause was confirmed by journalist Jenna Fryer of AP News, who reported on the ongoing developments via social media platform X.
The lawsuit arises from competing agreements made by Rick Ware Racing concerning two charters, with Legacy Motor Club claiming Rick Ware Racing violated its contract. The disagreement focuses on which charter was promised to Legacy and whether the sale would be completed in 2026 or 2027. Rick Ware Racing owner Rick Ware initially arranged to lease one charter to RFK Racing for the 2026 season and planned to sell that same charter to Legacy in 2027. However, T.J. Puchyr, a motorsports executive and consultant, announced plans in June to purchase the team from Ware, a move contested by Johnson’s team as undermining their rights.
Temporary Restraining Order Issued, Court Weighs Preliminary Injunction Request
Legacy Motor Club requested a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent Rick Ware Racing from transferring the disputed charter to Puchyr. They accused Rick Ware Racing of misleading statements both to Legacy and in legal proceedings. The court granted a 10-day restraining order after Legacy agreed to post a $5 million bond, although Rick Ware Racing argued for a significantly higher amount aligning with the deal’s estimated value.
Judge Clifton Smith issued the restraining order verbally and is considering whether to extend the injunction. The court also noted the existence of a potentially binding contract with Puchyr despite Legacy’s claims of prior rights. This adds complexity to an already tense legal situation, underscoring the uncertainties surrounding the charter’s ownership.
Representatives From Both Sides Present Conflicting Views
Rick Ware Racing’s attorney, Mark Henriques, emphasized their commitment to honoring existing agreements while acknowledging practical challenges. He reiterated that the leasing plan to RFK Racing in 2026 and selling to Legacy in 2027 was transparent to all parties. Henriques also stressed a priority to keep Rick Ware’s son, Cody Ware, behind the wheel, noting that Puchyr intends to ensure Cody remains part of the team after any sale.
Conversely, Legacy Motor Club’s lawyer Keith Forst rejected RWR’s explanation, warning that completing the sale to Puchyr would cause “tremendous harm” to Legacy. Forst accused Rick Ware Racing of circumventing agreed terms through a “backdoor transaction” and stressed that the team’s future hinges critically on securing these charters. This rivalry underscores the high stakes involved in ownership rights within NASCAR.
Upcoming Trial and New Lawsuit Against Puchyr Add to Legal Tension
The dispute is set to proceed to trial in January. Meanwhile, Legacy Motor Club has escalated the conflict by filing a separate lawsuit against Puchyr, alleging interference with their existing agreement with Rick Ware Racing. The organization has also severed all consulting relationships with Puchyr amid the ongoing tensions.
Long-Term Sponsorship Boosts Legacy Motor Club’s Stability Despite Litigation
Amid the legal turmoil, Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club secured a crucial sponsorship extension with Dollar Tree, which will continue its partnership through 2028. This agreement provides the NASCAR Cup Series team with financial stability and greater brand exposure over the next several years. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass confirmed that Dollar Tree will remain a primary sponsor for the No. 42 car, driven by John Hunter Nemechek, and the No. 43 car, driven by Erik Jones.
The partnership began in January 2024, covering all 38 Cup Series races in a multi-year deal. The extension ensures that Dollar Tree’s branding continues to appear prominently on Legacy Motor Club’s vehicles, presenting a valuable marketing platform given the sport’s extensive U.S. fanbase and broadcast reach. Dollar Tree, a giant in retail with a valuation exceeding $22 billion, brings significant corporate backing to Johnson’s team.
“We’re excited to extend our partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB through 2028. This continued collaboration puts our brand in front of millions of loyal NASCAR fans and gives us the opportunity to drive deeper engagement with customers in a bold, high-energy environment. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead with Jimmie Johnson, John Hunter, Erik, and the entire LEGACY Motor Club team.” —Rick McNeely, Chief Merchandising Officer at Dollar Tree
Legacy Motor Club sees this sponsorship extension as a foundation on which to build competitive strength. The long-term support from a powerhouse retailer affords the team more room to strategize, invest in performance improvements, and pursue race victories in the near future.
Implications for NASCAR and Team Ownership Moving Forward
This legal confrontation highlights the critical importance of NASCAR charters in determining team control and competitive participation. The injunction not only pauses the sale of Rick Ware Racing but shines a spotlight on the complex nature of contracts and agreements in motorsports. With the trial scheduled for January and multiple lawsuits underway, the future ownership structure of Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing remains uncertain.
The resolution of this dispute will influence how NASCAR teams negotiate charter transactions going forward and may prompt tighter regulatory scrutiny on such agreements. Meanwhile, Legacy Motor Club’s continued sponsorship backing provides some stability during this contentious period, reinforcing their ambition to remain competitive on the track despite significant legal challenges.
