Jimmie Johnson‘s younger brother, Jarit Johnson has been named in a civil lawsuit for an unfinished classic car restoration project. He was accused of fraud, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and deceptive trade practices by Lee Chapman.
The UK resident filed the lawsuit in Iredell County Civil Superior Court in North Carolina. According to the complaint, Chapman paid at least $140,000 in advance in 2021 for Jarit Johnson and his team to restore a 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Coupe at Johnson’s Troutman business, Jarit Johnson Restoration. But the project dragged on for about five years.
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A message from Chapman to Jarit on December 9, 2024, read:
“I have $120,000 of my hard-earned money out there. Where is my car? I am sick of this. I really am. Someone buy me out. I want out of this project now. I am going to have a breakdown.” (via The Charlotte Observer)
Chapman said that he sent a final demand for completion on December 19, 2025. He recovered the Chevelle and its parts on June 9, 2026, with help from a third-party company.
After that recovery, he said an inspection showed the defendants had overstated the rebuild progress and the condition of the car. The filing also alleged that he was billed for at least $37,000 in parts that were missing or never ordered.
At least $175k in damages sought from Jimmie Johnson’s brother in car restoration lawsuit
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is not listed as a defendant in the lawsuit, and the complaint does not accuse him of taking part in the restoration project or the business dealings.
Even so, the filing repeatedly references his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers. He is also the majority owner of the Legacy Motor Club team, which fields two full-time entries in the Cup Series. Meanwhile, Jarit Johnson enjoyed a brief NASCAR career in the 2000s, driving in the O’Reilly Auto Parts (Xfinity) Series and Craftsman Truck Series. The 47-year-old then moved into off-road racing.
He is now facing a legal claim for at least $175,000. Lee Chapman has asked a jury to triple any award awarded by the court. The complaint said that much of the completed work was in poor condition and would need to be redone.
A court date is yet to be set.
Edited by Palak Gupta