RWR
BaseMooresville, North Carolina
OwnerRick Ware
ManufacturerChevrolet
SeriesNASCAR Cup Series
Cars#51
Founded2017 (Cup entry)

2026 Season Stats

0
Wins
Cody Ware
Driver
1
Car

2026 Drivers

  • #51 Cody Ware - Son of team owner Rick Ware. Cody has raced in both NASCAR and sports car events, including international competitions. He continues to develop as a driver while representing the family racing operation.

Team History

Rick Ware Racing is a family-owned operation that has been a fixture in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2017. Rick Ware, a former driver and seasoned motorsports entrepreneur, built his team from the ground up through charter acquisition and persistent effort. The team operates on a fraction of the budget that front-running organizations enjoy, but Ware's business acumen and deep understanding of the NASCAR ecosystem have allowed the team to maintain a consistent presence on the grid.

Ware's approach to team ownership has been pragmatic and resourceful. The team has acquired and traded multiple charters over the years, understanding that charter ownership is the key to long-term viability in the Cup Series. Charters guarantee a starting position in each race and provide revenue sharing from NASCAR, making them one of the most valuable assets a team can possess. Ware's ability to navigate the charter market has been instrumental in keeping the team operational.

The team has fielded a variety of drivers throughout its Cup history, including journeyman veterans, international competitors, and developmental talents. While Rick Ware Racing has not contended for wins, the team serves an important role in the Cup Series ecosystem. Smaller teams provide opportunities for drivers who might not otherwise get a chance at NASCAR's top level, and they contribute to full fields that are essential for the sport's competitive integrity.

Cody Ware, Rick's son, has been the team's primary driver in recent years. Cody has shown a willingness to compete across multiple disciplines, including sports car racing, which has broadened his skill set beyond traditional stock car racing. While the No. 51 typically runs at the back of the field, every race is a chance for the team to improve, learn, and occasionally surprise the competition. Rick Ware Racing represents the entrepreneurial spirit that has been a part of NASCAR since its earliest days, when independent operators competed against factory-backed teams with nothing but determination and mechanical know-how.

Cup Championships

Rick Ware Racing has not yet won a Cup Series championship.

Interesting Facts

  • Rick Ware is not just a team owner but a motorsports businessman who has been involved in various aspects of the racing industry, including car building and charter trading.
  • Cody Ware has competed in international sports car events, giving him diverse racing experience beyond NASCAR.
  • The team has fielded the No. 51 as its primary car number, which has a long history in NASCAR dating back to the sport's early decades.
  • Rick Ware Racing has at times fielded multiple Cup entries, demonstrating the team's ability to scale its operations based on available resources and opportunities.
  • The team's survival in an era of increasing costs and consolidation is a testament to Rick Ware's business skills and understanding of NASCAR's economic model.

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