
Cody Ware is ready to make the leap from part-time to full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2025. The 29-year-old from Greensboro, North Carolina, will take over the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) for the entire season, with his father, Rick Ware, leading the team and Billy Plourde serving as his crew chief.
After a 2024 season that saw Ware compete in nine races with a strong performance—including a career-best fourth-place finish at Daytona—he’s now set for a full season behind the wheel. Ware’s average finish of 21.0 was second only to A.J. Allmendinger among drivers who ran a limited schedule. His consistency across the races he ran, combined with a top-tier result at Daytona, made him a standout in the part-time field, particularly when compared to others like Shane van Gisbergen, Jimmie Johnson, and B.J. McLeod.
“I’m excited and thankful to be back full-time in the Cup Series,” Ware said. “I’ve made improvements as a driver, and Rick Ware Racing has made improvements as a team. This is by far the best opportunity I’ve had, and I’m looking forward to making the most of it and earning the respect of my competitors.”
Cody’s journey to this point has been anything but typical. A fourth-generation racer, Cody didn’t start his racing career at the age of five like many of his counterparts. Instead, he got his start at 16, racing in Legend Cars, before quickly moving through the ranks of Late Model stock cars and making his NASCAR debut in 2017. While his late start raised a few eyebrows, Cody has made up for lost time, building a racing resume that includes success in NASCAR’s lower divisions as well as in sportscar racing, where he won the 2019-2020 LMP2 championship in the Asian Le Mans Series.
In addition to his NASCAR career, Ware has also made a name for himself in sportscar racing, picking up notable accolades like winning the 2019-2020 LMP2 championship in the Asian Le Mans Series and earning a podium finish at Daytona in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge LMP3 class. These accomplishments show that Ware is a versatile driver, capable of competing across various disciplines.
However, it wasn’t just Cody’s sportscar success that earned him the full-time Cup ride. Despite only competing in nine Cup races in 2024, he managed to outperform several other part-time drivers, including those with far more experience. Last season, Corey LaJoie—who occupied the No. 51 car late in 2024—was passed over in favor of Ware, a decision that came after LaJoie struggled with consistency. As LaJoie moves on, it’s Cody’s time to shine, and with his solid track record in 2024, Rick Ware Racing is placing its trust in his ability to take the next step.
“Cody made the most out of his nine races last year,” Rick Ware, the team owner and Cody’s father, said. “Running a part-time schedule is tough—consistency is hard to build when you’re out of the car for weeks at a time. But Cody showed he could handle that challenge, and he and Billy Plourde developed a good relationship. Now, we’re looking forward to what they can accomplish together with a full season of racing.”
With a father who’s been involved in motorsports for years and a pedigree that stretches across four generations, Cody Ware has deep roots in racing. But now, he has a real chance to make his own mark on the NASCAR Cup Series. And with a full season ahead, the pressure is on to continue improving, especially after last year’s success. Will Cody be able to capitalize on this opportunity and prove he’s worthy of his new full-time status? Only time will tell, but with a strong 2024 under his belt and a season of consistency on the horizon, things are looking promising for the young driver.
As for the competition, let’s just say they’ll be keeping a close eye on the No. 51 Ford Mustang. Cody Ware’s no longer just an underdog—he’s got something to prove.
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