Rick Ware Racing is set for a landmark moment as it enters Harrison Burton in the NASCAR All-Star Race, taking place this Sunday at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Burton will pilot the No. 51 Morton Building Ford Mustang Dark Horse, marking both his and the team’s much-anticipated debut in this prestigious event. His entry comes after earning a guaranteed spot on the All-Star grid, thanks to his thrilling win in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway last August.
The team officially announced on Monday that Harrison Burton will represent Rick Ware Racing in the main event, a significant milestone for the organization. Team owner Rick Ware expressed his pride, stating,
“Being a part of the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time is a milestone moment for our organization. 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, currently a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, brings valuable experience to Rick Ware Racing, having competed at the highest level in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2022 to 2024. Burton boasts four career Xfinity Series victories and has recently displayed strong form, finishing in the top 10 in his last three Xfinity Series outings with AM Racing. He currently sits 10th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship standings, further establishing his credentials ahead of this All-Star appearance.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Burton remarked,
“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. 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.”
This collaboration brings together Burton’s momentum and Rick Ware Racing’s growing aspirations, promising an exciting performance on Sunday.
For Rick Ware Racing, this represents not only an immediate achievement but also a chance to showcase its commitment to giving talented drivers platforms on the sport’s biggest stages. The regular pilot of the No. 51, Cody Ware, will be shifting to the team’s No. 15 Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the weekend. He aims to race his way into the All-Star feature through Sunday’s All-Star Open and will return to his regular car for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.
Cody Ware reflected on the move, saying,
“I’m proud to be a part of RWR and this is another reason why. 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.”
Ware’s determination highlights the competitive spirit fueling Rick Ware Racing’s participation in one of NASCAR’s most exciting events.
The All-Star Open begins Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET, with the All-Star Race itself following at 8 p.m. ET. An additional three drivers will advance from the All-Star Open to join Burton in the main event: the top two race finishers and the winner of the Fan Vote. FS1 is set to provide live television coverage, allowing NASCAR fans to follow every moment as Rick Ware Racing and Harrison Burton take on North Wilkesboro Speedway and compete against the best in the sport.
This event carries special significance for both Rick Ware Racing and Harrison Burton, as it marks a new chapter for the team and a milestone for Burton’s career. Their performance could open further opportunities in the Cup Series, stirring even greater anticipation for the races still to come.
