Former Spire Motorsports owner purchasing Rick Ware Racing with hopes to expand

A shocking turn of events in NASCAR Cup Series team ownership. T.J. Puchyr is purchasing Rick Ware Racing for the 2026 season. It seems the Rick Ware era in NASCAR is coming to an end after this season, as the former Spire Motorsports owner wants back in.

According to Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press, Puchyr and Rick Ware have entered an agreement that will put the former Spire founder at the head of Ware’s organization. RWR currently operates one chartered team with a couple of part-time, open entries as well. Ware owns a second charter that is being leased to RFK Racing for 2025.

Last year, Puchyr sold his stake in Spire Motorsports to Dan Towriss, setting off the dominoes that would eventually have Spire in the position it is in today. It seems that Puchyr has missed racing since he left and is eager to get back in.

Fyrer reports that Puchyr wants to build up to a three-car operation. That could prove difficult in the current charter situation. Then again, what if 23XI Racing and Front Row end up losing the third charters they each bought from Stewart-Haas last year as a result of the NASCAR lawsuit? It’s an interesting situation.

“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,” Puchyr told the Associated Press.

There is also the Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware lawsuit. Those two organizations have a dispute over the sale of a charter. Legacy expects to have it in 2026, RWR says the deal is for 2027.

Rick Ware is expected to stay on as a partner in the team. Cody Ware is also expected to stay as the driver of the 51 car. Puchyr is retaining the RWR workforce as well.

Turning Rick Ware Racing into a three-car organization

NASCAR Cup Series charters are not easy to come by. While many believe the value of the charters will only increase with time, it doesn’t mean they are exactly cheap right now. According to Fryer’s reporting, Puchyr and Ware expect the second charter to be returned to what is now Rick Ware Racing in 2027.

The second charter is still to be leased to RFK Racing for 2026. However, Puchyr believes he will have both back in his possession by 2027. That is also the year that he expects to expand to a three-car Cup organization. So, he will have to find a third charter for sale, somewhere.

Could it be from 23XI and/or Front Row? What about Haas Factory Team? How long is that project going to last? Would Kaulig Racing ever move down to a one-car Cup team? I’m not so sure. But that third charter is going to have to come from somewhere in 2027 if the plan is to expand that quickly.

Then there is the question, which manufacturer will Puchyr join? Rick Ware Racing has been a Ford operation for quite some time, and they now have an alliance with RFK Racing. 2027 could be the first season that Stellantis reintroduces Dodge to the Cup Series.

Would Puchyr be willing to join the newest OEM to make a big splash? Perhaps the manufacturer could help purchase he third charter. For now, that is all speculation, but this is a story worth keeping up with.