A legal battle between NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club (LMC) and fellow Cup Series team Rick Ware Racing (RWR) centers on a charter arrangement that was reportedly valued at US$45 million, setting a new record for the sport. Earlier this month, LMC filed a lawsuit against RWR, alleging that RWR had backed out of their agreement to purchase one of their charters. In addition to guaranteeing NASCAR teams a place in every race, charters also provide them a cut of the winnings. Teams compete fiercely for the 36 charters available in the Cup Series, and the cost of obtaining one is rising. In the most recent installment of The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast, NASCAR reporter Jordan Bianchi revealed the highest offer price for a charter. Bianchi revealed
“I’ve spoken with numerous individuals involved in this. Are you aware of the amount [Rick Ware Racing] was paid by [Legacy Motor Club] for the charter? $45 million, setting a new record for this sport. The previous record of $40 million, which Spire Motorsports paid to Live Fast Motorsports in 2023, was also brought up by the reporter for The Athletic. The case, which was submitted to the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Courts, most likely concerns the date on which the charter was to be transferred. According to The Athletic, RWR stated that it was intended for 2027, whereas LMC stated that it was for the 2026 season. In a court statement, LMC stated: “The parties initialed each page of the agreement as a precaution. In fact, the parties (redacted) has been clear from almost the beginning of the parties’ negotiations.”
RWR and LMC each have two charters. In the NASCAR Cup Series, LMC fields the two full-time Toyota Camry teams for Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. Jimmie Johnson is also a part-time driver for the team’s No. 84 vehicle. RWR leases one to RFK Racing and uses the other for Cody Ware. The sale of RWR charters to third parties is blocked by Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club. Rick Ware Racing’s sale charter was momentarily blocked by Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club. The court issued a temporary restraining order to halt the sale on Wednesday, April 9. For at least the next ten days, this prevents RWR from selling its charter to anybody else. Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports discussed the same topic on X:
“Order says Rick Ware Racing is restrained from selling, leasing, or otherwise encumbering the charter in question for at least 10 days or until agreement by Legacy and RWR.”
In a public statement, RWR also reacted, accusing LMC of falsifying information and attempting to harm their brand. The case has not yet been addressed by Jimmie Johnson, who acquired the majority stake in LMC in January.
