A judge has temporarily halted the sale of a NASCAR Cup Series team, preventing Rick Ware Racing (RWR) from transferring ownership as a legal dispute continues to unfold. The restraining order, issued on Thursday, pauses the $150 million deal involving buyer T.J. Puchyr until the courts resolve conflicting claims over the team’s charter and ownership rights.
Legal Dispute Between Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club Intensifies
The court’s temporary restraining order will remain effective for ten days while a judge evaluates Legacy Motor Club’s request for a longer preliminary injunction to block the sale. Legacy insists it holds a valid Charter Purchase Agreement to acquire RWR’s NASCAR charter for the 2026 season. However, RWR counters that this agreement is intended for 2027, fueling contention between the parties.
In the midst of this disagreement, RWR reached an agreement to sell their operation to T.J. Puchyr, who Legacy claims helped broker the original charter deal as an independent contractor. Despite the ongoing legal battle over years and terms, RWR and Puchyr are moving forward with their sale plans, further complicating the situation.
Conflicting Arguments From Both Sides in the Courtroom
Mark Henriques, counsel for Rick Ware Racing, emphasized that both RWR and Puchyr intend to sell the team’s second charter to Legacy in 2027, which is presently leased to RFK under an existing arrangement. Henriques also stressed that the team wants to continue operating a car for Rick Ware’s son, Cody Ware, a move Puchyr supports if the sale is completed.
Legacy’s attorney Keith Forst expressed concern over the pending transaction and its implications. He stated,
“What we know is that these promises were made and this backdoor transaction was apparently entered into and is apparently a binding agreement, although not yet closed. There is really no harm to defendant whatsoever, and there is tremendous harm to plaintiff Legacy if this closing of these assets in fact happens.”
—Keith Forst, Legacy Attorney
Henriques responded by asserting,
“My clients did exactly what they had the freedom to do, work out a deal that meets the needs of the entity, and enter into a binding transaction that covers the entire business and yet keeps Cody racing. They’re trying to have their cake and eat it too since they lost the first preliminary injunction.”
—Mark Henriques, RWR Counsel
Ongoing Impact on NASCAR Cup Series and Future Proceedings
This legal confrontation has created uncertainty around the NASCAR Cup Series team sale, impacting not only the ownership structure but also the team’s competitive plans. The outcome will likely influence how charters and team sales are handled in the future, particularly in cases involving multiple parties and overlapping agreements.
As the court continues to review the preliminary injunction request from Legacy, the restraining order will keep the current status quo in place. Fans and stakeholders await further developments, which could reshape the NASCAR landscape once resolved.
