Judge denies Legacy Motor Club’s request to place restrictions on RWR charter

There are two ongoing legal cases surrounding NASCAR Charters. The first is the highly publicized court battle between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR as the teams seek to the challenge the terms of the 2025 Charter Agreement. However, the second, lesser-known case, focuses on the ownership of a single charter.

Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, filed a lawsuit against Rick Ware Racing on April 1st of this year. The suit was filed in Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Courts and claimed Rick Ware was attempting to wrongfully back out of a signed agreement to transfer a charter from RWR to Legacy for the 2026 season.

After allegedly signing an official Charter Purchase Agreement on March 3rd, Legacy claims RWR is trying to renege on the deal. As part of the suit, they filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, asking the courts to prevent Rick Ware from doing anything with the disputed charter while the case is ongoing. In their request, the team asserted that they risk immediate and irreparable harm without the help of an injunction.

However, a North Carolina judge ruled against them following a hearing on Wednesday morning, decided not to grant the preliminary injunction. Previously, Legacy was able to acquire a temporary restraining order, which prevented RWR from encumbering the disputed charter until a decision made regarding the injunction.

Rick Ware reacted to the news with the following statement: “RWR is gratified by the Court’s decision in this case. It’s good to be vindicated.”

Legacy is aiming to expand to three full-time entries for the 2026 season as they already possess two fully chartered teams. Rick Ware Racing also possess two charters, but they are currently leasing one out to RFK Racing’s No. 60 team. This charter sale is said to be worth $45 million dollars, which would be a new record if it goes through.