Cody Ware is back in the NASCAR Cup Series spotlight, rejoining Rick Ware Racing as the full-time driver of the No. 51 Ford Mustang for the 2025 season. The announcement marks Ware’s return to a full-time schedule for the first time since 2022, promising a new chapter for both the driver and the team.
A Fresh Start for Ware
At 29, Cody Ware sees his full-time return as the culmination of years of growth both on and off the track. “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. 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.”
Ware’s 2024 part-time campaign showcased his potential. In nine races, he posted an impressive average finish of 21.0, highlighted by a career-best fourth-place result at Daytona’s summer race—his first top-five finish in the Cup Series.
Rick Ware Racing’s Renewed Focus
Rick Ware Racing (RWR), helmed by Cody’s father, Rick Ware, has shown steady improvement as a team. Ware’s return coincides with a strategic restructuring, with Billy Plourde stepping in as crew chief. The pair built a strong working relationship in 2024, which Rick Ware believes will be crucial to the team’s success.
“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,” Rick Ware said. “Running a part-time schedule isn’t easy because it’s hard to develop consistency. A full season together provides the best chance for everyone to succeed.”
Ware’s NASCAR Journey
Cody Ware has been a steady, if understated, presence in NASCAR’s top series since 2017, accumulating 106 starts. Though his career has had its ups and downs, his performances in 2024 demonstrated a driver who has matured and is ready for the challenges of a full season.
Rick Ware Racing will focus its resources on the No. 51 car for 2025, leasing its second charter for the No. 15 Ford to RFK Racing. The No. 15 will still compete as an Open car, with Tim Brown set to run The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
The Road Ahead
While Rick Ware Racing isn’t typically seen as a top-tier team, Ware and Plourde’s partnership offers hope for a strong showing in 2025. With consistent time in the car, Ware has the opportunity to build on his momentum and prove he belongs among NASCAR’s elite.
