Harrison Burton, Rick Ware Racing Teaming Up for NASCAR All-Star Race

Harrison Burton will make his NASCAR All-Star Race debut this Sunday at North Wilkesboro Speedway, piloting the No. 51 Morton Building Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing.

Rick Ware Racing announced Burton's entry into the All-Star Race on Monday. Burton has a guaranteed starting position in the grid for the All-Star Race by virtue of his win in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway last August.

“Being a part of the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time is a milestone moment for our organization,” said Rick Ware, team owner. “It’s an honor to have a place in the main event, and we’re just as proud to provide Harrison the opportunity to compete in the All-Star Race. He definitely earned his spot and he deserves to be here. It’s a big opportunity for both of us.”

Burton is currently competing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series after taking part in the NASCAR Cup Series full-time from 2022 to 2024. Burton has four career Xfinity Series victories and has finished in the top 10 in his last three Xfinity Series races with AM Racing. Burton is currently 10th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings.

“The All-Star Race is one of those events you grow up dreaming about, so to have a spot on the grid is really special,” Burton said. “Winning at Daytona last year was a huge moment in my career, and I’m thankful to Rick and the entire RWR team for giving me the opportunity to make that win count by putting me in their car for the All-Star Race. We’ve been building some great momentum in the Xfinity Series, and I’m looking forward to carrying that into North Wilkesboro and competing against the best in the sport.”

Cody Ware, who normally pilots the Rick Ware Racing No. 51, will instead drive the team's No. 15 Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse at North Wilkesboro. Ware hopes to advance to the All-Star Race through Sunday's All-Star Open, and will return to the No. 51 at the next NASCAR Cup Series points-paying race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.

“I’m proud to be a part of RWR and this is another reason why,” Cody Ware said. “Any opportunity at the Cup level is huge. To earn a spot in the All-Star Race and then not be able to actually compete – that’d be a tough pill to swallow. It’s great to see this organization be the one that puts Harrison in the All-Star Race. He earned his shot with his win at Daytona. It’s added incentive for me to race hard in the Open and join him in the All-Star Race.”

The All-Star Open takes the green flag at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 18. The All-Star Race follows at 8 p.m. ET. Three drivers will advance from the All-Star Open to the All-Star Race - the top two finishers in the Open, as well as the Fan Vote winner.

FS1 will offer live television coverage of Sunday's All-Star festivities at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

-Photo credit: James Gilbert/Getty Images