Legacy Motor Club takes legal action against Rick Ware Racing over charter sale

Legacy Motor Club has filed a lawsuit against Rick Ware Racing over the sale of a charter, and has asked for a temporary restraining order.

The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, and much of its 46 pages are heavily redacted.

Legacy Motor Club, which is owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, alleges Ware has backed out of a signed deal. The organization began searching for a third charter in October 2024 and learned that one from Ware was on the market.

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“Strapped for cash and unable to compete at Cup Series level by its own admission, RWR needed to sell one of its two Charters,” the suit claims. “So, on the morning of January 6, 2025, Legacy’s CEO Calvin ‘Cal’ Wells III met with RWR’s representatives – Rick Ware and his broker T.J. Puchyr – to strike a deal. They did. On March 3, 2025, Legacy and RWR executed a Charter Purchase Agreement.”

Rick Ware Racing responded to the lawsuit in a statement on Wednesday.

“This lawsuit distorts the actual facts and is a misguided attempt to tarnish our reputation," the statement read. "RWR has negotiated in good faith and operated with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We are confident that the truth will prevail and look forward to swiftly resolving this matter through the proper legal channels.”

The details around the purchase are among the redactions. However, the suit goes on to say that despite having a "binding deal" between the two sides, Ware wants to back out of the sale. One section of the lawsuit is labeled, "Legacy Uncovers the Truth." The following section is labeled, "RWR Gets Cold Feet."

The Athletic is reporting that the dispute stems from Ware's understanding that the sale of the charter would be for the 2027 season, but Legacy changed the contract after he signed to make it for the 2026 season. Upon learning of the change, Ware called off the deal.

The request for a temporary restraining order is to enforce “the status quo” until litigation is decided.

Legacy Motor Club fields two full-time entries in the Cup Series for John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 42 Toyota, and Erik Jones, the No. 43 Toyota. Johnson competes on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota, an Open team.

Ware is fielding one full-time team this season for his son, Cody. The organization leased its second charter to RFK Racing for the 2025 season, which is being used for Ryan Preece.

This story has been updated to include the statement from Rick Ware Racing in response to the suit.