Movies

NASCAR team owner’s son set to return, lands final open seat

BBG News

Every year since the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series season, I’ve been honored to race for my father Rick Ware’s team, yet there was only one time I stepped up as a full-time driver.

During the 2021 racing season, he participated in all but four races. For the entire 2022 season, his position was made full-time. Unfortunately, he had to miss one race because of an injury he sustained from a crash two weeks earlier.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, it was planned that he would return to compete full-time in 2023. However, following the first seven races, he was apprehended and temporarily banned. He was reinstated during the offseason, but by then, Rick Ware Racing had already secured a driver for the full-time position in 2024 – Justin Haley.

In the end, Ware became one of three drivers who occasionally piloted the team’s secondary chartered vehicle. Haley drove the No. 51 Ford on a full-time basis, while Ware steered the No. 15 Ford in nine races, alternating with Kaz Grala and Riley Herbst for the entry.

Haley had originally planned to rejoin for the 2025 season, but before the 2024 season concluded, he was essentially moved to Spire Motorsports instead. Corey LaJoie drove the No. 51 Ford during the final stretch of the year, though it wasn’t confirmed that he would be part of the team for the 2025 season.

It was subsequently uncovered that LaJoie would probably not rejoin, and it was apparent that Ware was set to race full-time for his father’s team again, as initially predicted four years ago. Now, this has been officially verified.

Cody Ware back full-time in 2025

For the 2025 season, Rick Ware Racing will only field one full-time car, as the charter they previously owned to run the No. 15 Ford has been leased to RFK Racing – a team they’ve had a technical partnership with since 2023. Remarkably, RFK Racing have grown from operating two cars to now having three for the upcoming season.

Before Ware’s confirmation, the No. 51 Ford was the sole chartered entry lacking a confirmed driver for the 2025 racing season. This also meant it was the only car yet to have a confirmed driver for the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

Beginning in 2025, every one of the remaining 35 chartered vehicles will be operated by professional drivers on a full-time basis. This marks the first time in the history of the charter period (2016 to the present) that all 36 chartered cars will be driven exclusively by full-timers.

Rick Ware Racing might field the #15 Ford on a limited schedule in upcoming events. As LaJoie is yet to finalize his 2025 season plans, this could potentially be an option for him. The #15 car is being considered as a potential open entry for next month’s Daytona 500.

Six spots have been secured for the “Great American Race,” and many more contenders are hopeful. However, it’s quite possible that numerous drivers aspiring to participate may fall short in their qualifying attempts.

On February 16 (this coming Sunday), the 67th edition of the renowned Daytona 500 race will unfold. Fox network will broadcast live action directly from Daytona International Speedway, with the event starting at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Read More

2025-01-16 17:02

Previous post Black Ops 6 Zombies Map Revealed, Ahead of Season 2
Next post KEMCO’s Together We Live brings a visual novel adventure experience to Android devices