Rick Ware Racing Moving to Chevrolet Ahead of 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Season

Rick Ware Racing announced Monday that the team's NASCAR Cup Series will switch to Chevrolet in 2026.

A new, multi-year partnership with Chevrolet includes a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, and the team will use engines prepared by ECR Engines.

“Chevrolet has always set a high bar with its people, its performance and its passion for racing, and partnering with them gives us the resources and support to make real progress on the racetrack," said Rick Ware, team owner, RWR. "Teaming up with RCR and ECR provides a foundation we can build on, not just for 2026, but for the future of our race team. We’re proud to be part of the Chevrolet family.

“The NASCAR Cup Series is the toughest and most competitive series in motorsports, and this is an important move for the long-term growth of our company. We’ve won in NHRA, American Flat Track, World Supercross and the CARS Tour, and we want to elevate our NASCAR performance to the level of our other programs.”

Cody Ware will debut the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet at the Cook Out Clash on February 1 at Bowman Gray Stadium. The non-points exhibition race takes place two weeks before the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15.

“Rick and his team have shown a real commitment to growing their program, and we’re proud to support that effort alongside our partners at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines,” said Pat Suhy, manager, NASCAR Competition for GM Motorsports. “Bringing RWR into the Chevrolet fold is a win for all of us. Their drive to keep improving aligns with our dedication to performance and innovation.”

Rick Ware Racing made its 700th NASCAR Cup Series start during the 2025 season. Cody Ware piloted the team's No. 51 entry full-time in 2025, with a best finish of 13th at EchoPark Speedway.

Corey LaJoie also made four NASCAR Cup Series starts during the 2025 season in a No. 01 entry, including a 22nd-place finish in the Daytona 500.

Rick Ware Racing has competed regularly on the NASCAR Cup Series since 2017. The team finished fourth in the 2020 Daytona 500 with David Ragan behind the wheel.

Rick Ware Racing won the owner's championship in the zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series this year, including three race wins during the season. Luke Baldwin earned victories at Orange County Speedway and Anderson Speedway, while Carson Ware claimed a win at Ace Speedway.

Chevrolet owns 44 manufacturer championships in the Cup Series, including the past five manufacturer titles, and 881 all-time victories.

-Photo credit: Rick Ware Racing