Judge Blocks Rick Ware Racing Charter Sales Amid Dispute

A North Carolina judge granted Legacy Motor Club a preliminary injunction blocking Rick Ware Racing (RWR) from selling its NASCAR team or two Cup Series charters amid ongoing litigation. Legacy, owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, alleges that RWR breached a contract to sell a charter for the 2026 season, while RWR claims the sale was intended for 2027 due to existing agreements with RFK Racing. The court froze RWR's ability to finalize the sale to T.J. Puchyr, co-founder of Spire Motorsports, who is also involved in the dispute for allegedly interfering with the deal. Judge Clifton Smith ruled that Legacy showed a likelihood of success on the merits and that the potential harm to Legacy outweighs any harm to RWR, maintaining a $5 million bond to cover potential damages. The ruling halts all pending charter sales and encumbrances by RWR until the trial scheduled for January 2026. The case highlights the complex contractual and competitive dynamics involving NASCAR charters and team ownership transitions.