T.J. Puchyr is returning to NASCAR with an agreement to purchase Rick Ware Racing
T.J. Puchyr and Jeff Dickerson co-founded Spire Motorsports in 2018. At the time, they took over the charter from Furniture Row Racing.
In 2023, the team purchased a charter from Live Fast Motorsports. The price of that charter was estimated at $40M, a new record.
NASCAR charter sold for $40M to Spire Motorsports; New record
That record has since been broken. Legacy Motor Club is currently attempting to purchase a charter from Rick Ware Racing for $45M. However, that has legal questions attached.
Rick Ware Racing opens counter-suit against Legacy Motor Club
Spire Motorsports currently owns three charters. The No. 7 is driven by Justin Haley, Michael McDowell is in the No. 71 and Carson Hocevar races the No. 77.
Heading into the 2024 season, Puchyr sold his shares in the company to Dan Towriss. Spire Motorsports also purchased Kyle Busch Motorsports, creating their own in-house ladder system.
How much did Kyle Busch sell his NASCAR team for?
Now, Puchyr is diving back into NASCAR ownership…
T.J. Puchyr is looking to get back into NASCAR; Deal reached
The original co-founder of Spire Motorsports is now looking to return to the sport. He has entered into an agreement to purchase Rick Ware Racing following the 2025 season.
“I am bullish on wanting to build a three-car team. I believe in the France family and the direction of the sport and I want the rest of the shareholders and industry to know that I believe the charters are worth $75 million or more,” he told AP.
Rick Ware is expected to remain with the team. His son, Cody Ware is expected to remain as a driver.
Rick Ware Racing currently holds two charters. One of those charters is currently being leased to RFK Racing through the end of the 2026 season.
However, they are currently in a legal battle with Legacy Motor Club regarding one of those charters. Legacy claims the team agreed to sell them a charter.
Puchyr believes the team will win in court and Rick Ware Racing will own two charters in 2027. They are also looking to purchase a third under Puchyr’s ownership.
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