Ware to make full-time Cup Series return with RWR

Yesterday at 03:10 PM

The final NASCAR Cup Series driver piece for the 2025 season was confirmed on Wednesday with Rick Ware Racing announcing Cody Ware will drive the No. 51 Ford Mustang.

Ware, 29, returns to the circuit full-time for the first time since the 2022 season. Billy Plourde will be the team's crew chief.

"The NASCAR Cup Series is where every driver wants to be and I'm grateful to be back full time," Ware said. "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."

In 2023, Ware ran seven races. During the 2024 season, Ware ran nine Cup Series races and put together an average finish of 21.0. His best finish was fourth in the summer race at Daytona International Speedway, which was also a career best finish and his first top-five finish in the series.

Since 2017, Ware has made 106 starts in the Cup Series. He will be the primary driver for Rick Ware Racing, the team his father owns, this season.

"Cody made a lot out of the nine races he ran for us last year and proved that he was deserving of a full-time opportunity," said Rick Ware. "Running a part-time schedule isn't easy because it's hard to develop consistency when you're out of the car for weeks on end. But Cody made it work and he and crew chief Billy Plourde developed a good rapport.

"It made sense to see what could come of their collective efforts when they're working alongside one another week in and week out. A full season together provides the best chance for everyone to succeed."

Rick Ware leased his second charter for the No. 15 Ford to RFK Racing this season. The team will compete as an Open car and will run Tim Brown for The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.