Rick Ware Racing fires back at Legacy Motor Club over NASCAR Cup Series charter dispute

Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is pushing back against a lawsuit filed by Legacy Motor Club on Tuesday. The organization released a statement on that claims Legacy’s lawsuit “distorts the actual facts.”

Legacy sued over a charter disagreement with RWR. The two sides are in dispute over an agreement for RWR to sell one of its charters to Legacy for the 2026 season.

The Athletic reported Tuesday night that RWR was under the impression the agreement was for 2027, despite signing the agreement which listed 2026 as the date for execution. Thus the confusion and the impasse.

“This lawsuit distorts the actual facts and is a misguided attempt to tarnish our reputation,” Rick Ware Racing’s 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 lawsuit was filed in a court in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday. It is over Legacy Motor Club’s right to add an additional car for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series.

Legacy already has two charter agreements guaranteeing Cup Series entries in 2026, but it was seeking to add a third from Rick Ware Racing. In the lawsuit, Legacy described RWR as ‘strapped for cash and unable to compete at Cup Series level.’

According to Courthouse News Service, the two parties reached an agreement on March 3, 2025, to sell the charter to Legacy. However, Legacy claims that RWR is now attempting to back out of the contract.

“Despite having a binding deal in place, RWR (Rick Ware Racing) wants to back out,” said Legacy in the complaint. “It has told Legacy that it will not, under any circumstances, close the parties’ transaction. Legacy has tried to talk sense into RWR, to no avail. Legacy’s patience has run out. It now brings this suit to enforce its rights and hold RWR to its deal.”

Much of Legacy’s case against Rick Ware Racing is based on the notion that the latter organization is struggling make ends meet financially at a time when Legacy is thriving. Legacy is seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction after accusing Rick Ware Racing of getting ‘cold feet.’