Legacy Motor Club (LMC), co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, has acquired a third charter for the 2026 season through a recent agreement with Rick Ware Racing (RWR). While the charter ownership transfer is confirmed, LMC is expected to expand to a third car only in 2027, using the charter after existing lease arrangements conclude. This Jimmie Johnson LMC charter deal marks a significant development in NASCAR’s team dynamics.
The agreement, finalized on September 19 after months of legal disputes, resolves a conflict between LMC and RWR over the timing and sale of the charter. LMC filed a lawsuit claiming that RWR withdrew from a deal to sell a charter for the 2026 season, whereas RWR argued the contract pertained to 2027. Now settled, RWR will sell one of its charters to LMC, although the charter currently leased to RFK Racing for driver Ryan Preece’s No. 60 car will likely remain with RFK Racing throughout the 2026 season due to existing lease commitments. The specifics of the new contractual terms remain partially undisclosed, but the transaction is poised to influence team structures in the coming years.
RFK Racing affirmed that all driver and partnership agreements for the No. 60 entry will be upheld through 2026, respecting the charter lease until its expiration. This arrangement aligns with plans for the charter to become active under LMC management starting in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Jimmie Johnson’s Leadership and LMC’s Growing Ambitions
Earlier this year, Jimmie Johnson became the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club after Maury Gallagher assumed an ambassadorial role with Richard Petty Motorsports. At 50 years old, Johnson aims to strengthen LMC both on and off the track, expanding its presence in the NASCAR Cup Series. His involvement extends beyond racing operations, including a partnership with Knighthead Capital Management, a New York-based investment firm, to support LMC’s growth. Additionally, Johnson hosts the Never Settle podcast, broadening his engagement with NASCAR fans and stakeholders.
Though initially intending to add a third car in 2026, Johnson considered the new deal’s timeline and welcomed the resolution as constructive.
“Reaching a positive outcome was important for everyone involved. I truly respect the effort put forth by Robby Benton and Rick Ware to reach a settlement so we may all focus on our business operations and future goals. I’m glad this is behind us and we can all move forward in unison,” Jimmie Johnson said in a statement.
LMC’s Current Driver Performance and Team Status
Legacy Motor Club presently fields two full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, driven by John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 42 car and Erik Jones in the No. 43. Both drivers concluded the 2024 season ranked just outside the top 20 in overall points, with 22nd and 23rd place finishes respectively. Despite these standings, there have been notable highlights throughout the year.
John Hunter Nemechek recorded two top-five and eight top-ten finishes, with an average race finish of 18.8. Among his standout performances were a fourth-place result at Darlington Raceway in August and a sixth-place at the World Wide Technology Raceway earlier in September. Erik Jones matched this momentum with four top-five and five top-ten finishes, improving significantly compared to his prior season showing, and achieving his best 2024 finish of third place at Darlington.
In addition to managing the team, Jimmie Johnson continues to compete part-time behind the wheel in the No. 84 Toyota, lending his experience on the race weekends he participates in.
Implications of the Charter Transfer for NASCAR’s Future
The resolution of the charter dispute and the upcoming transfer from RWR to LMC symbolize more than a simple ownership change—it has the potential to reshape team competition and strategy in NASCAR. By adding a third car to its stable in 2027, LMC can expand its influence, increase sponsorship appeal, and enhance its ability to develop driver talent. This move could shift power balances within the series and intensify rivalries among top teams.
With Jimmie Johnson leading the club as majority owner and leveraging strategic investments, Legacy Motor Club demonstrates ambitions to grow competitively and commercially. As Johnson recently noted, the settlement allows all parties to redirect focus toward racing operations and future goals, signaling optimism and a new phase of cooperation within the sport.
NASCAR fans and industry observers will be watching closely how LMC integrates its new charter and manages its expanded lineup starting in 2027, with consequences for driver careers, team sponsorships, and the broader Cup Series landscape.
