Cody Ware returns to Daytona International Speedway with renewed confidence ahead of the Daytona 500, eager to replicate the success he showed last August. During the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 23, Ware led an impressive 23 laps over four separate occasions, marking the third-highest laps-led total for the race and frequently running within the top 10 among the 40-car field.
With the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway once again in front of him, Ware is determined to leverage his growing experience and aggressive mindset to compete at the front of the pack.
Growing Aggression and Confidence on Superspeedways
In previous years, Ware took a more cautious approach to races at superspeedways like Daytona. However, his recent outings have shown a deliberate increase in aggression without compromising safety or race position.
“In years past, I took a much more cautious approach to these superspeedway races, but the last handful of times we’ve been to Daytona, I’ve ramped up my aggression level without putting myself in bad spots,”
Ware said.
“I’ve got the confidence to just race hard, get up front, and stay up front.”
This evolving style was evident in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 where Ware advanced from a 35th-place start to the race lead by lap 39, showcasing his ability to navigate the pack and seize key opportunities.
“I’ve always enjoyed the superspeedways. They’re one of the great equalizers for the Cup Series,”
Ware remarked.
“After what we learned at Daytona the last time we were there, now’s the time to capitalize and not just focus on a good result, but what it’s going to take to win.”
Longstanding Support and New Partnerships Bolster Team
As Ware pursues his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory, he benefits from enduring partnerships alongside fresh technical support. The familiar blue-and-white branding of Jacob Construction returns for its ninth consecutive season with Rick Ware Racing (RWR). Based in Florida, Jacob Construction has been instrumental in shaping RWR’s growth, a team that also competes successfully in various racing disciplines such as NHRA’s Top Fuel class, Progressive American Flat Track, the FIM World Supercross Championship, and the zMAX CARS Tour.
Jacob Construction’s influence is also visible off the track, having built the Chevrolet Experience next to Daytona’s victory lane. This structure resembles a Chevrolet dealership and serves as a VIP gathering spot during events and an exclusive delivery venue where Chevrolet customers can test drive their new cars around the track.
New Chevrolet Alliance Expected to Enhance Performance
RWR is preparing to launch a significant partnership with Chevrolet in 2026, which includes a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). This alliance enables RWR to access engines built by ECR Engines, aiming to boost competitiveness. Ware will drive the No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet Camaro at the Daytona 500, embracing the strengthened manufacturer support.
“It’s a new advantage for us to be able to work with Chevrolet,”
Ware said.
“The number of teams Chevrolet has, the success – they’ve won the last three Daytona 500s – and the alliance we have with RCR, it’s all positive for us. I’m looking forward to rolling into Daytona with a Chevy bowtie on my hood and on my firesuit.”
Daytona Holds High Expectations Following Recent Success
Daytona is particularly important for Ware, as it remains the site of his best career Cup Series finish—a fourth-place result achieved last August in the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Building on that momentum and with offseason preparations, Ware feels his team can elevate their usual aggressive style and contend for more than just good finishes.
“Daytona is a place where we know we can have success because we’ve had success in the past,”
Ware stated.
“And with our new alliance with Chevrolet and RCR, and all the effort and hard work that’s been put in over the offseason, we can ramp up our usual aggression in the race. We can see where we’re really at, how we stack up, how our qualifying program is compared to what it was last year. I think it’s going to be a lot different than what we’ve had in the past, and I think we’re going to be able to put our stake in the ground to show people all that we’re trying to accomplish this year.”
Race Week Schedule and Broadcast Details
The buildup to the Daytona 500 starts Wednesday with a 50-minute practice session at 10 a.m. EST, followed by pole qualifying at 8:15 p.m. Only the top two qualifiers secure guaranteed starting spots in the 68th running of the race. The remainder of the lineup is determined through two Duel races, each 150 miles long, held on Thursday evening starting at 7 p.m. The second Duel race follows immediately after the first. Both events will be televised live on FS1 and broadcast on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The culminating event, the Daytona 500, takes place on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with live coverage provided by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, spotlighting Ware and his team as they aim to make a mark on one of NASCAR’s most prestigious stages.
