Rick Ware Racing Overview
Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is an American motorsports team founded in 1995 and based in Concord, North Carolina. Owned by Rick Ware, the team competes in multiple racing series including the NASCAR Cup Series, ARCA Menards Series, American Flat Track, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing, and Asian Le Mans Series. The team has a Chevrolet manufacturer alliance and has achieved one championship in the Asian Le Mans Series. RWR is known for its diverse participation across various motorsports disciplines and its evolving presence in NASCAR and sports car racing.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The origins of Rick Ware Racing trace back to the Ware & Sons Racing team, where Rick Ware and his father John Ware competed in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and IMSA series starting in the 1960s. Rick Ware began his racing career in go-karts before progressing to sports car racing alongside his father. The team earned several titles, including Rookie of the Year honors in the California Sports Car Club in 1983. In the 1990s, Rick Ware renamed the organization Ware Racing Enterprises, eventually rebranding it as Rick Ware Racing in 2004. The team initially operated out of Thomasville, North Carolina, before relocating to Mooresville in 2020 and later moving to Concord, North Carolina in 2023, where it formed an alliance with RFK Racing.
Growth Into NASCAR Competition
Rick Ware Racing began making attempts in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2004 with driver Stanton Barrett. Over the years, the team expanded its operations, fielding multiple cars and participating in various NASCAR series including the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series. The acquisition of Premium Motorsports in 2020 added the No. 15 car to their stable, increasing their full-time entries. The team has also formed partnerships with established organizations such as Stewart–Haas Racing and Roush Yates Engines, and more recently with RFK Racing, enhancing its technical capabilities and competitive presence.
Rick Ware Racing Competitive Journey
Rick Ware Racing has progressed through a variety of racing series, starting from sports car and SCCA competitions to establishing a foothold in NASCAR’s top divisions and branching into other motorsports disciplines such as motorcycle racing and drag racing. The team has shown adaptability and growth, competing in national and international series with a focus on expanding its competitive reach.
Early Seasons and Development (1995–2010)
In its early years, Rick Ware Racing focused on sports car racing and gradually entered NASCAR competition. The team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut attempts in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with limited success initially. During this period, the team fielded various drivers and cars in the Nationwide (now Xfinity) Series, including developmental drivers like Timmy Hill and Jeffrey Earnhardt. The team also participated in the ARCA Menards Series and regional NASCAR series, building operational experience and developing sponsorship relationships.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Cup Series (2011–2020)
Rick Ware Racing’s breakthrough in the NASCAR Cup Series came with the expansion of its full-time entries and acquisition of charters, allowing for greater stability and competitive participation. The team fielded multiple cars including the No. 51 and No. 52, and expanded its driver lineup with a mix of veterans and emerging talents. In 2019, the team secured full-time schedules for multiple cars and began leasing charters from other teams. The acquisition of Premium Motorsports in 2020 further solidified its presence in the Cup Series. Despite challenges such as penalties and on-track incidents, RWR continued to grow its operations and technical partnerships.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2021–Present)
Currently, Rick Ware Racing operates out of Concord, North Carolina, maintaining an alliance with RFK Racing and running Chevrolet vehicles. The team fields multiple cars in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the No. 51 driven full-time by Justin Haley in 2024 and Cody Ware returning in 2025. The team also competes in the ARCA Menards Series and other motorsports disciplines. Recent years have seen improvements in infrastructure, driver development, and technical collaboration. The team aims to enhance its competitive performance and expand its footprint in top-tier motorsports.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Rick Ware Racing’s core identity centers on versatility and persistence across diverse racing platforms. The team emphasizes technical partnerships and driver development to strengthen its competitive edge. RWR excels in fielding multiple entries and adapting to various racing formats, leveraging alliances to improve performance and operational efficiency.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for Rick Ware Racing include its first NASCAR-sanctioned event victory in the Pinty’s Series in 2021, winning the Asian Le Mans Series championship, and expanding to a multi-car operation in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s move to Concord and alliance with RFK Racing in 2023 marked significant organizational growth. Notable moments also include overcoming penalties and legal challenges while continuing to compete at high levels.
Rick Ware Racing Achievements and Results
Rick Ware Racing has accumulated a range of accomplishments across multiple series, including race victories and a championship in the Asian Le Mans Series. The team has steadily built its competitive record in NASCAR and sports car racing, highlighting its growth and adaptability.
NASCAR Cup Series Achievements
While Rick Ware Racing has yet to secure a NASCAR Cup Series race win, the team has established itself as a consistent competitor with multiple full-time entries. The No. 15 and No. 51 cars have recorded notable finishes, including an eighth-place finish at the 2022 Daytona 500. The team has also navigated the complexities of NASCAR’s charter system to maintain its presence in the series.
Asian Le Mans Series Achievements
Rick Ware Racing achieved significant success in the Asian Le Mans Series, winning one championship and securing three race victories. The team fielded Ligier JS P2 cars in the LMP2 Am class, with drivers including Cody Ware and Mark Kvamme. Their partnership with ARC Bratislava helped overcome logistical challenges, leading to class wins and historic milestones such as the youngest driver victory by Gustas Grinbergas.
Pinty’s Series Achievements
In the Pinty’s Series, Rick Ware Racing debuted in 2021 and quickly earned its first victory at Flamboro Speedway with driver Andrew Ranger. This win marked RWR’s first NASCAR-sanctioned event victory, showcasing the team’s competitive potential in regional stock car racing. The team fielded multiple cars and drivers, expanding its presence in Canadian stock car racing.
Other Series Achievements
Rick Ware Racing has also competed in the ARCA Menards Series, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing, and American Flat Track motorcycle racing. The team’s diverse involvement across these series reflects its broad motorsports engagement, though major championship successes have primarily come in the Asian Le Mans Series and select NASCAR regional events.
