Rick Ware Racing has encountered a troubling development just one day after settling a legal dispute over a charter sale with Legacy Motor Club, led by notable NASCAR figure Jimmie Johnson. The recent incident unfolded during race preparations at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, affecting the team’s Cup Series ambitions and spotlighting challenges around the Jimmie Johnson Legacy Motor Club transaction.
Technical Scrutiny Strikes Following Charter Settlement
On Friday, September 19, Rick Ware Racing finalized an agreement with Legacy Motor Club to sell a racing charter, fulfilling an earlier promise. This negotiation took place against the backdrop of significant team strategy, as the deal was made with Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club, a prominent presence in the NASCAR world. However, the team’s focus quickly shifted to the racetrack, where unforeseen complications emerged.
The following day, FOX’s Bob Pockrass reported that Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 car, driven by Cody Ware, failed pre-race technical inspection on two occasions before finally clearing the third attempt. As a consequence, the team was barred from selecting their pit placement for the main event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, scheduled for Sunday, September 21. In a further penalty, their team engineer was ejected for the duration of the event weekend—the timing of which creates strain just as teams prepare for pivotal Cup Series races.
“In Cup tech today, Ware car failed twice and passed on third time. His team engineer was ejected for the weekend and he loses pit selection for the race tomorrow. All the other cars good on first or second try.”
— Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports
Charter Future Uncertain, Eyes on Upcoming Races
Despite these hurdles, Rick Ware Racing will continue to field its No. 51 car with charter status through at least 2026. The detailed terms that define the recent settlement between Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club have yet to be disclosed publicly, raising uncertainty about the arrangement’s long-term implications.
The timing of the settlement comes as the NASCAR championship race at Phoenix approaches, intensifying the season’s competitive atmosphere. Given the short window before Phoenix, Legacy Motor Club is left with limited strategic options. While adding a third chartered entry to their Cup lineup for 2026 appears impractical right now, Legacy Motor Club may consider leasing the newly acquired charter for the next season before reclaiming it for a full campaign in 2027.
Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the playoff showdown at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The event will air live on USA Network at 2 pm ET, and will be broadcast on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring fans won’t miss the action as teams focus on the closing races of the season.
Rick Ware Outlines Strategy and Team Direction
Team owner Rick Ware addressed the recent events and clarified his organization’s approach, emphasizing his intent to keep operations streamlined following the settlement with Legacy Motor Club. Ware’s team currently manages only the No. 51 Ford Mustang, driven by his son Cody Ware, underlining a commitment to sustaining a single full-time Cup entry.
“I look forward to putting all of our focus on finishing the 2025 season strong. My plan all along was to sell a charter; we’re not in a position to run two full-time cup cars.”
— Rick Ware, Team Owner
“Our plans have been all along to run a charter race car in ’25, ’26, ’27, and beyond, and that’s still our plan,” he added.
— Rick Ware, Team Owner
With only one chartered car available, any ambition to expand would likely require entering as an ‘open’ team—a financially challenging prospect in the NASCAR Cup Series. Ware’s comments reinforce the decision to concentrate resources on their existing operation rather than overextending into uncertain territory.
Significance and Outlook After Recent Events
The recent setbacks for Rick Ware Racing—in both the legal and technical arenas—highlight the pressures smaller NASCAR teams face when navigating high-stakes negotiations with organizations such as Legacy Motor Club and challenges like technical inspections. As the season’s most crucial races draw closer, the effects of losing pit selection and a critical team engineer will test the group’s resilience and ability to adapt on race day.
For Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club, and fans monitoring the evolving status of coveted Cup charters, the coming months remain pivotal. Both teams will need to execute their plans with precision as they pursue their goals in the fiercely competitive series.
In Cup tech today, Ware car failed twice and passed on third time. His team engineer was ejected for the weekend and he loses pit selection for the race tomorrow. All the other cars good on first or second try.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 20, 2025
