
Cody Ware, a seasoned driver from Greensboro, North Carolina, is set to tackle the entire 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule as the full-time driver of the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing (RWR). With Billy Plourde as his crew chief, Ware aims to build on his momentum from a promising 2024 campaign.
Rising Performance in 2024
In 2024, Ware participated in nine Cup Series races, finishing with an impressive average result of 21.0. This performance ranked him second among drivers with a part-time schedule, trailing only A.J. Allmendinger. Ware’s standout moment came with a career-best fourth-place finish at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. His consistency placed him ahead of notable part-time drivers such as Shane van Gisbergen, Kaz Grala, and even seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.
A New Chapter in NASCAR
“The NASCAR Cup Series is where every driver wants to be, and I’m grateful to be back full-time,” Ware said. “I’ve improved as a driver, and RWR has improved as a team. This is, by far, the best opportunity I’ve had in NASCAR. I aim to make the most of it and earn the respect of my competitors.”
Rick Ware, team owner of RWR, echoed Ware’s enthusiasm. “Cody made a lot out of the nine races he ran for us last year and proved that he was deserving of a full-time opportunity. Running part-time isn’t easy, but Cody showed resilience and adaptability. Pairing him with Billy Plourde for a full season is a strategic move that sets us up for growth.”
From Late Start to NASCAR Stardom
Ware’s racing journey began at 16, a later start compared to many drivers. Despite this, he quickly made up for lost time, competing in Legend Cars, Late Models, and various NASCAR series. He debuted in the Cup Series in 2017 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and has since amassed experience across the NASCAR Mexico Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and Xfinity Series.
Success Beyond NASCAR
Outside of stock car racing, Ware has made a name for himself in sports cars. He won the LMP2 championship in the 2019-2020 Asian Le Mans Series and earned recognition as the 2014 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Rookie of the Year. He also has experience in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup and the NTT IndyCar Series, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off with the Cook Out Clash exhibition race on February 2 at Bowman Gray Stadium, followed by the 67th Daytona 500 on February 16. Both events will air live on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
For Ware, the upcoming season represents the culmination of years of dedication and a chance to solidify his place among NASCAR’s elite. With a proven crew chief in Plourde and the backing of Rick Ware Racing, he’s poised to make his mark in the 2025 Cup Series.