Cody Shane Ware Bio
Cody Shane Ware (born November 7, 1995) is an American professional auto racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing and also races in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Ware is a third-generation racer with experience across stock car, sports car, and open-wheel disciplines, and is the son of NASCAR team owner Rick Ware.
Early Life and Background
Cody Shane Ware was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. Growing up in a racing family, he was exposed to motorsports from an early age, influenced by his father Rick Ware’s involvement in NASCAR team ownership. This environment fostered his passion for racing and provided early opportunities to develop his skills behind the wheel.
Ware began his professional career in 2014, competing in various racing disciplines including sports cars and stock cars. His height of 193 cm gives him a commanding presence in the cockpit, and his American nationality aligns with his participation primarily in U.S.-based racing series.
Path to NASCAR
Ware’s racing career started in sports car competition, where he earned the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Rookie of the Year award in 2014. This early success showcased his adaptability and talent in high-performance vehicles. Transitioning to stock car racing, he made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in August 2014 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, finishing fifteenth.
He progressed through NASCAR’s ladder series, including part-time stints in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series, driving for multiple teams such as MBM Motorsports and Mike Harmon Racing. His gradual ascent culminated in joining his family’s team, Rick Ware Racing, competing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Cody Shane Ware Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Ware began his professional racing career in 2014, earning Rookie of the Year honors in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series. That same year, he debuted in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, marking his entry into stock car racing. Over the next few years, Ware competed part-time in various NASCAR series, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
In 2015, he joined MAKE Motorsports full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series but left mid-season to pursue college studies. He returned to part-time Truck Series competition in 2017, continuing to build his racing resume.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Ware made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2017 with Rick Ware Racing, driving the No. 51 car part-time. His first race was the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta, where he started and finished 39th. Throughout the 2017 season, Ware faced challenges including mechanical issues and health setbacks but gained experience competing at NASCAR’s highest level.
In 2018, Ware briefly transitioned to motorcycle racing but returned to the Cup Series for select events. His Cup schedule expanded in 2019, including his first Daytona 500 start. Despite setbacks such as carbon monoxide poisoning during races, Ware continued to compete and improve.
Ware committed to a full-time Cup Series schedule in 2021 with Rick Ware Racing. That season included notable incidents and health challenges, but he remained a consistent presence in the series. In 2022, Ware achieved his first career top-ten finish in the Cup Series, placing sixth at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona. He also endured a significant crash resulting in an ankle injury but returned to competition after recovery.
In 2023, Ware started the season strong but was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR following legal issues. After charges were dropped, he was reinstated in December 2023 and announced plans to compete in select Cup Series races in 2024, achieving a career-best fourth-place finish at the Coke Zero Sugar 400. He is set to return full-time in the 2025 season with Rick Ware Racing.
Sports Car and Open-Wheel Racing
Alongside his NASCAR career, Ware has competed in sports car racing, including the Asian Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He has driven in LMP2 and GT4 classes, achieving podium finishes and class wins. In 2021, Ware expressed interest in IndyCar racing and made his IndyCar Series debut at the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America, finishing nineteenth.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ware demonstrates versatility across multiple racing disciplines, showing adaptability to different car types and racing formats. His experience in endurance sports car racing complements his NASCAR skill set, contributing to strategic racecraft and vehicle management. His partnership with Rick Ware Racing provides continuity and team familiarity, aiding his development.
Notable Races and Milestones
Ware’s career milestones include his first NASCAR Cup Series top-ten finish at Daytona in 2022 and a career-best fourth place in 2024. His participation in prestigious endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and his IndyCar debut highlight his diverse motorsports portfolio.
Cody Shane Ware Career Wins
While Ware has yet to secure a NASCAR Cup Series win, he has earned recognition in sports car racing, including class victories in the Asian Le Mans Series. His rookie of the year award in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America marks a significant early career achievement.
Sports Car Highlights
Ware’s sports car career includes a class win in the LMP2 Am Trophy at the 2020 Asian Le Mans race at The Bend Motorsport Park. He has competed successfully in GT4 America and endurance races, contributing to his reputation as a capable and versatile driver.
NASCAR Highlights
In NASCAR, Ware’s best results include multiple top-twenty finishes in the Cup Series and a top-ten finish at Daytona. He has competed in over a dozen Cup Series races per season since 2019, steadily gaining experience and improving his performance.
Cody Shane Ware Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cody Ware is the son of Rick Ware, a NASCAR team owner, making him a third-generation racer. His younger brother Carson Ware has also competed in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck Series. The family’s deep roots in motorsports have influenced Cody’s career path and opportunities.
Personal Life
Ware has publicly shared his struggles with depression, anxiety, and Asperger syndrome, diagnosed in 2018. He has also revealed a traumatic incident from his teenage years involving severe burns. Ware remains unmarried and has no children publicly known. His openness about mental health has contributed to awareness within the racing community.
2025 Season Performance
For the 2025 season, Cody Ware is set to return full-time to the NASCAR Cup Series with Rick Ware Racing, driving the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Following his reinstatement and successful partial schedule in 2024, expectations are for continued growth and improved results. Ware aims to leverage his diverse racing experience and team continuity to achieve career milestones, including his first Cup Series win. The season will be pivotal in establishing his long-term presence in NASCAR’s premier division.
