Jimmie Johnson, the NASCAR legend turned team owner, finds himself in the middle of a multimillion-dollar legal battle that could make or break his racing empire. In a bold move to expand his team, Johnson rebranded Petty GMS Motorsports into Legacy Motor Club with aspirations of fielding a third full-time car in 2026. However, a deal gone wrong with Rick Ware Racing has now escalated into a courtroom showdown.
With the stakes as high as $150 million, the court has intervened to halt the sale of charters from Rick Ware Racing to former Legacy associate T.J. Puchyr. A temporary restraining order has been issued, giving Johnson a crucial lifeline in his quest for team expansion. The legal drama unfolds as Legacy Motor Club accuses Puchyr of foul play, alleging tortious interference and bad faith dealings.
NASCAR’s charter system, with only 36 total Cup Series charters available, makes the opportunity for expansion incredibly rare and fiercely competitive. The outcome of this legal battle could reshape the future of Legacy Motor Club and Jimmie Johnson’s ambitions in the racing world.
As the courtroom saga continues to unfold, the fate of Johnson’s $150 million business affair hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-stakes battle that could redefine the landscape of NASCAR ownership.