Rick Ware Racing NASCAR Cup Series Team Sold

Former Spire Motorsports executive T.J. Puchyr has purchased the Rick Ware Racing (RWR) team, Puchyr told the Associated Press.

The price and terms of the deal were not announced, but it includes all of RWR’s operations, which includes NASCAR Cup Series and NHRA racing reams.

RWR currently owns two Cup Series charters, but one is on loan to RFK Racing through the 2026 season. Puchyr said he expects to retrieve the charter and add another to create a three-car team for the 2027 season.

Puchyr, who through his work at Spire and as a consultant to other teams, has been involved in several charter purchases and said that that he thinks the current going rate of $40 million is undervalued ad that they are probably worth more like $75 million.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING NEWSLETTER FOR MORE LIKE THIS

The 36 charters guarantee teams entry into every race and include a revenue sharing component. The latest charter contract with NASCAR runs from 2025 to 2032, but is being challenged by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in court in an antitrust lawsuit.

RWR is itself in the middle of a legal battle with Legacy Motor Club, which is co-owned by Jimmie Johnson and claims it has a deal to buy the charter that’s currently on loan.

MORE NASCAR NEWS FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING

“I don’t think Jimmie has all the facts, doesn’t understand the deal we had, and they tried to humiliate Rick publicly. We don’t do business that way,” Puchyr said.

RWR currently fields the No. 51 with Rick Ware’s son Cody as driver and Puchyr said he will continue in the seat.