Cody Ware, the driver of the No. 51 car for Rick Ware Racing, is aiming high as he enters the 2026 Daytona 500 driving a Chevrolet for the first time. On February 11 at Daytona International Speedway during media day, Ware expressed optimism about his new partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Chevrolet, highlighting the steps taken to improve his team’s performance and his own driving abilities ahead of the iconic race.
Confidence Builds After Offseason Efforts and Track Testing
Reflecting on the preparations, Ware emphasized how encouraging it is to return to racing and the unusual unpredictability of the Daytona 500. He credited his crew chief Billy Plourde and car chief Dave Jones for their dedication during the offseason.
“I think the fruits of that are starting to show between the little bit of track time we’ve had here and at Bowman Grey,”
Ware said, underlining the progress made through testing and teamwork as race day approaches.
The Open Nature of the Daytona 500 Spurs Ambition
Addressing whether the Daytona 500 remains a race anyone can win, Ware pointed to past victories by drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael McDowell, who were once considered underdogs. He noted,
“I think what that shows is that it is anyone’s race…when the stars fall and everything aligns, it really is anybody’s race.”
With this mindset, Ware aims to leverage lessons from leading laps last year to push his car and team into contention this season.
Benefits of Joining Richard Childress Racing and Chevrolet
Ware shared how his close relationship with RCR and access to General Motors’ advanced facilities have been critical to his development. He described 24/7 access to RCR’s static simulators and collaboration with engineers at the GM Tech Center using both full motion and static rigs. This support, he said, helps him improve as a driver alongside the team’s evolving equipment.
“I don’t want to fall behind as our equipment and our expectations and performance is getting better, I need to make sure that I am improving as well,”
he remarked, highlighting the symbiotic improvement between himself and his racing team.
Strategies for Replicating Last Year’s Leading Performance
Last October, Ware led 23 laps at Daytona—a milestone he hopes to replicate and build upon. He attributed his past success to growing confidence and understanding how to navigate the draft pack effectively. Ware explained the importance of balancing speed with fuel management and pit strategy, as high fuel consumption can affect overall race outcomes.
“I think confidence has a lot to do with it… being able to consistently do it and also extract more speed out of the cars,”
he said, expressing excitement for the upcoming race bolstered by his team’s alliance with Chevrolet and RCR.
General Motors’ Role in Enhancing Racing Technology
General Motors continues to support motorsports by advancing vehicle technology that focuses on safety, smart features, and lower emissions. With brands like Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, GM is offering a diverse lineup of gasoline-powered cars and an expanding selection of electric vehicles as the industry moves towards electrification. This technological foundation benefits racing teams like Ware’s by providing state-of-the-art equipment and engineering assistance.
Cody Ware’s transition to Chevrolet and his collaboration with RCR marks a significant step in his NASCAR career. His drive to build on last year’s success and the resources available through this new partnership could position him as a competitive contender in this year’s Daytona 500. As the race draws closer, all eyes will be on Ware to see if he can translate his preparation and confidence into a breakthrough victory at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events.
