Rick Ware Racing Switches to Chevrolet Ahead of 2026 – Speedway Digest

Rick Ware Racing’s NASCAR Cup Series operation will switch to Chevrolet in 2026, aligning with the winningest manufacturer in series history.

The multiyear partnership with Chevrolet includes a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), in which RWR 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. 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,” said Rick Ware, team owner, RWR.

“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.”

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

“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.”

Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 for RWR in the Cup Series, will make RWR’s Chevrolet debut in the non-points Cook Out Clash on Feb. 1 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before kicking off the 36-race slate of points-paying races with the 68th Daytona 500 on Feb. 15 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

RWR PR