NASCAR Teams Face Legal Dispute Over Charter Sale Agreement

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR team Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is embroiled in a legal dispute with Legacy Motor Club (LMC) over a charter sale agreement, creating more courtroom drama in the racing world.

The disagreement arose after RWR claimed that Legacy altered the intended start date of the charter sale, moving it from 2027 to 2026 without proper notice. Legacy vehemently disagrees, alleging that RWR signed the agreement with full knowledge of the timeline change and is now trying to back out.

This week, a judge denied LMC’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have prohibited RWR from any action regarding the charter while the matter is litigated. Following the ruling, RWR stated, “RWR is gratified by the Court’s decision in this case. It’s good to be vindicated.”

In a statement, RWR added that the lawsuit is an effort to “tarnish our reputation” and insisted they have always negotiated in good faith. “We are confident that the truth will prevail and look forward to swiftly resolving this matter through the proper legal channels,” the team said.

RWR currently holds two charters: one for the No. 51 car, driven by Cody Ware, and another leased to RFK Racing. In contrast, LMC operates charters for the No. 42 car driven by John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 43 car driven by Erik Jones.

The ongoing dispute underscores the rising tensions among NASCAR teams amid a challenging competitive landscape.