Gray Gaulding will run his first race in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2020 this weekend when he gets behind the wheel of the No. 15 Rick Ware Racing entry at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Panini will be appearing on the Gaulding driven Ford Mustang as a sponsor. This will be Gaulding’s 60th start in the Cup Series dating back to the 2016 season when he first appeared as an 18-year-old.
“Personally, today is an exciting career day for me with this opportunity to return to the NASCAR Cup Series along with our sponsor Panini America, and with a team that wants to excel like Rick Ware Racing,” said Gray Gaulding. “Jason and Rick have both believed in my ability as a brand ambassador and driver, I do not plan to disappoint them. Since we ranthe first Panini NCS car in 2020, I know the timing is right to reunite and I am really looking forward to this race.”
Super pumped to be back in a Cup car !!!
Shout out to @PaniniAmerica and @RickWareRacing for giving me the opportunity!@NASCAR @WWTRaceway @FS1 #PaniniNFT #ColorBlast #WhoDoYouCollect #nevergiveup pic.twitter.com/xnUh5ECmpY— Gray Gaulding (@graygaulding) May 31, 2023
Panini has also appeared on the Xfinity Series entries driven by Gaulding this season. Gaulding has made 10 starts in the No. 08 of SS Green Light Racing with Panini appearing on the car.
“Ever since we started working with Gray and his family he has been more than just a brand ambassador for us, he’s been more like a member of the family,” said Jason Howarth, Panini America, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Acquisitions. “Gray has been a huge part of our growth in the NASCAR trading card space, and we’re excited to team up with him and Rick Ware Racing one more time.”
Rick Ware Racing fields two entries in the Cup Series. JJ Yeley will be in the No. 51 car this weekend.
“It will be good to have Gray race with us again,” said Rick Ware, team owner. “He has driven for us previously and we’ve been making overall improvements to the team since then. It’s also great to have Panini America as his primary partner again, too. Like us, they have been growing their company in some major areas and we’re planning to have a great race with them.”
