Cody Ware Returns to NASCAR Full-Time in 2025: Cody Ware is set to make a notable impact in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series as he returns to full-time racing, driving the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing. This keenly awaited move marks a crucial career milestone, driven by the aspiration to harness previous successes, including a remarkable fourth-place finish at Daytona in 2024. The robust partnership with crew chief Billy Plourde is expected to improve Ware’s performance, underlining the team’s confidence in his skills. With an eye on consistency and tactical insight, Ware is poised to achieve career-defining glory, offering a compelling narrative of resolve.
Key Highlights
- Cody Ware will drive full-time in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series for Rick Ware Racing.
- Ware’s collaboration with crew chief Billy Plourde is expected to enhance competitive performance.
- Career-best finishes in 2024 signal Ware’s readiness for achieving greater success.
- Ware aims for consistent top-10 finishes and strategic race decisions in 2025.
- His return to full-time racing marks a significant milestone in his NASCAR career.
Cody Ware Goes Full-Time in 2025 NASCAR Cup Series
Cody Ware is set to initiate on a vital chapter in his racing career as he commits to a full 36-race season in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. This endeavor marks a notable milestone for Ware, who, after a decade in racing, will serve as the full-time driver for Rick Ware Racing‘s No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
The 29-year-old driver expressed profound gratitude for this elevation to full-time status, acknowledging the rarity and prestige associated with competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Ware’s statement in a team press release encapsulates his readiness and resolve.
“The NASCAR Cup Series is where every driver wants to be and I’m grateful to be back fulltime. I’ve improved as a driver and RWR has improved as a team, and 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.” – (Ware)
His words reflect not only his personal ambition but also an understanding of the rigorous demands and expectations inherent in such a competitive arena.
Central to Ware’s 2025 campaign will be his collaboration with veteran crew chief Billy Plourde, a seasoned strategist whose continuity with Rick Ware Racing promises to be an asset.
Rick Ware Racing’s Confidence in Cody Ware
Recognizing the potential exhibited in last season’s limited appearances, Rick Ware Racing has placed its full confidence in Cody Ware for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. This decision is anchored in Ware’s commendable performance during his nine-race stint with the team in the previous season.
“Cody made a lot out of the nine races he ran for us last year and proved that he was deserving of a fulltime opportunity.” – (Rick Ware)
Rick Ware, the team owner, highlighted Ware’s ability to optimize each race opportunity, demonstrating skill and adaptability in a challenging part-time schedule. This performance has not only emphasized Ware’s driving talent but also warranted his elevation to a full-time driver role.
Rick Ware Racing’s endorsement of Cody Ware is not solely based on individual talent but also on the synergy developed between Ware and crew chief Billy Plourde. Over the course of their collaboration, a strong professional rapport was established, which is crucial for any racing team aiming for consistency and success.
Ware’s adeptness at maneuvering the complexities of sporadic race participation—compounded by the inherent difficulties of adapting to varying tracks and conditions—was remarkable. The partnership with Plourde is seen as a tactical advantage, providing a foundation that promises to improve performance when engaged in the rigors of a full season.
“Running a part-time schedule isn’t easy because it’s hard to develop consistency when you’re out of the car for weeks on end. But Cody made it work and he and crew chief Billy Plourde developed a good rapport. It made sense to see what could come of their collective efforts when they’re working alongside one another week in and week out. A full season together provides the best chance for everyone to succeed.” – (Rick Ware)
Ware’s Strong Performances in 2024
Building on the foundations of trust and synergy with Rick Ware Racing, Ware’s performances in the 2024 season further validated the team’s confidence in him. Throughout the year, Ware showcased notable growth and competitiveness, particularly in intense environments, highlighting his evolving skill in NASCAR.
His standout performance came at the Daytona International Speedway, where he achieved a career-best finish of fourth—an impressive feat that emphasized his capability to compete among the sport’s elite.
Ware’s adeptness was not limited to Daytona. He continued to impress with a strong 12th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway, a track renowned for its demanding nature and tactical complexity.
This result accentuated Ware’s increasing strategic insight and his ability to navigate the intricacies of superspeedway racing. Such performances indicate a driver honing his craft, steadily building the skill set required to excel in the upper echelons of NASCAR.
Additionally, Ware’s top-20 finish at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he placed 18th, further solidified his status as a formidable contender. The Brickyard is historically challenging, demanding precision and endurance, and Ware’s performance there exemplified his capacity to maintain consistency and focus amid the demands of a grueling race.
Ware’s Career Overview and 2025 Goals
As Cody Ware approaches the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, his career path reflects a blend of perseverance and incremental achievement. The fourth-generation race car driver has amassed 106 starts, earning one top-five and two top-10 finishes, a demonstration of his commitment and growth within the sport.
His expedition, marked by gradual improvement, sets the stage for a crucial year as he returns to full-time competition, fueled by an ambition to elevate his competitive stature.
Ware’s career has been shaped by a series of challenges and learning opportunities, each contributing to his evolving expertise and resilience. His return to full-time racing in 2025 signifies more than just a continuation; it’s a tactical move to utilize his accumulated experience and advance his standing in NASCAR.
This year, Ware is poised to refine his skills further, aiming to surpass previous performances and expand his accolades.
News in Brief: Cody Ware Returns to NASCAR Full-Time in 2025
Cody Ware’s full-time return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 signifies a crucial moment in his racing career, marked by prior strong performances in 2024 and the steadfast support of Rick Ware Racing. This tactical move highlights Ware’s commitment to achieving career-defining success and reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities.
As Ware initiates this new chapter, the focus remains on leveraging past experiences and fostering competitive growth, positioning the driver and the team for potential victories in the upcoming season.
