In a resolution that has drawn the attention of the NASCAR community, Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing have finalized a settlement regarding their contested charter sale. This Jimmie Johnson charter settlement ends a lengthy legal faceoff that nearly advanced to a trial, yet the details of the agreement have been kept confidential by both parties.
Background: Tensions Over Charter Sale and Legal Disagreements
Legacy Motor Club, fielding entries under the leadership of Jimmie Johnson, had sought to acquire a third charter to increase its operational footprint. An initial deal with Rick Ware Racing failed earlier this year, prompting LMC to file suit for breach of contract. Rick Ware Racing disputed the claim, asserting the terms concerned use for the 2027 season rather than 2026, and retains two charters—one for Cody Ware’s No. 51, the other leased to RFK Racing. This disagreement rapidly escalated to litigations over which charter was implicated and for which season it would be transferred.
Speculation Grows Around Corey Heim’s Cup Prospects
The NASCAR community has been abuzz with speculation regarding which driver might benefit from the charter now potentially available to Legacy Motor Club. Many observers point to Corey Heim, who made his NASCAR Cup debut as a substitute for Erik Jones with Legacy last year. While LMC has performed better in the current season, uncertainties remain regarding whether Heim, who is aligned with Toyota, will secure a long-term place with the team if further progress is not made.
Fan Discussions and Public Reaction
After Bob Pockrass broke news of the settlement on X, detailing that Legacy Motor Club would receive the charter but had little time to prepare for a three-car lineup for 2026, NASCAR fans began voicing their predictions and hopes for the team’s future.
Heim time to Cup hopefully
— Jillian (@jillian_days) September 19, 2025
Another fan offered their take on what the deal might mean for the driver:
Heim time just got his full-time ride next year,
Some fans also linked this case to 23XI Racing’s own ongoing legal saga, signaling the broader implications of such high-profile charter negotiations in NASCAR.
Statements From Rick Ware and Jimmie Johnson
Rick Ware confirmed the resolution in an official statement:
I met with both Jimmie [Johnson] and Cal Wells recently, and we agreed to sell and transfer a charter from RWR to Legacy Motor Club. I believe we landed in a mutually beneficial place for both teams, and the result will be a clear path forward for us all. I look forward to putting all of our focus on finishing the 2025 season strong.
Jimmie Johnson also expressed positivity over the outcome:
Reaching a positive outcome was important for everyone involved. I truly respect the effort put forth by Robby Benton and Rick Ware to reach a settlement so we may all focus on our business operations and future goals. I’m glad this is behind us and we can all move forward in unison.
The racing reporter Jeff Gluck also publicized the development:
Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing have settled their charter lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/pWd6qip7M3
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 19, 2025
NASCAR Charter Rules and What Comes Next
Under NASCAR regulations, each charter may be leased only one time during a single cycle running from 2025 to 2031. At the heart of this dispute was the question of which Rick Ware Racing charter was offered to Legacy, and whether it was available for the targeted season, as one remains contractually leased to RFK Racing with Brad Keselowski’s team. RFK Racing has yet to publicly address how the settlement impacts their own agreements.
As this situation unfolds, teams across NASCAR will be watching closely to see how the Jimmie Johnson charter settlement influences the competitive landscape, especially as Legacy Motor Club aims to expand and rumors swirl around Corey Heim’s future in the Cup Series. Fans and analysts expect further driver movement news and possible resolution of related disputes as teams prepare for upcoming seasons.
Legacy has settled its lawsuit against Rick Ware. Legacy will obtain a charter from RWR. News release wasn’t specific on which team would field that chartered car in 2026 but Legacy folks had indicated last month that it was getting late to try to be three-car team in 2026.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 19, 2025
Heim Time?
— Shaun (@Hashtag_Cyclone) September 19, 2025
Heim time to Cup hopefully
— 💙 Jillian 💛 (@jillian_days) September 19, 2025
Heim time just got his full time ride next year
— Brandon Wright (@Bwright135) September 19, 2025
Time for 23XI to settle.
— Nickolai (@nwfisch) September 19, 2025
Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing have settled their charter lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/pWd6qip7M3
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 19, 2025
