Cody Ware is set to make a full-time return to NASCAR in 2025, joining his father Rick Ware's team, Rick Ware Racing, to race the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. After an eventful 2024 season, where he competed in nine races and achieved his career-best finish of fourth at Daytona International Speedway, Ware is ready to take on a more prominent role. His full-time seat with the team signifies not only a fresh start but also a growing partnership with his father’s racing organization.
The 29-year-old driver has an extensive history with Rick Ware Racing, having competed for them in 2021 and 2022, and returned briefly in 2024. Despite his suspension in 2023, which sidelined him for several months, Ware’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series has been marked by notable strides in his performance. As he prepares for his full-time comeback, Ware reflects on his journey and the promising future that lies ahead for both himself and the team.
A new chapter for Cody Ware and Rick Ware Racing in NASCAR
Cody Ware's announcement to race full-time in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is a pivotal moment for both the driver and the team. With a career-best performance in 2024, the No. 51 car is in capable hands, and Ware is eager to build upon the team's progress.
He commented, "The NASCAR Cup Series is where every driver wants to be and I'm grateful to be back full-time. I've improved as a driver and RWR has improved as a team, and this is, by far, the best opportunity I've had in NASCAR. I aim to make the most of it and earn the respect of my competitors."
Having previously raced full-time with Rick Ware Racing in 2021 and 2022, Cody's return is a reflection of the evolution of both his skills and the team's overall capabilities. The improvements made by Rick Ware Racing in 2024 have certainly contributed to Ware's career-high performance, and his growth as a driver will be critical for the team’s success in 2025. With the debut of new crew chief Billy Plourde at the Cook Out Clash in February, Ware is poised to make a statement in the upcoming season.
This full-time position represents not only a chance for Ware to prove his mettle in the Cup Series but also a testament to the resilience and progress of Rick Ware Racing as a whole. Given the team's upward trajectory, expectations for top finishes are high, and Cody Ware is ready to seize the opportunity with both hands.