Cody Ware started the weekend with promise. The Rick Ware Racing driver had just logged a season-best finish at Atlanta. But at the Chicago Street Race, things went from hopeful to alarming in seconds. A crash in the closing laps raised more than just dust—it reignited serious questions about NASCAR’s caution system. What happened to Ware wasn’t just about one driver. It could shape how the sanctioning body responds in high-pressure situations going forward.
Key Highlights
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Cody Ware hit the Turn 6 tire barrier late in the race and called for help over the radio
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NASCAR took over 30 seconds to throw the caution despite Ware being stationary
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Parker Kligerman confirmed Ware was shaken but okay after the incident
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Bob Pockrass revealed a brake rotor failure caused the crash
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Had the caution come earlier, there would have been an overtime restart
Ware’s Scary Crash Draws Fire on NASCAR Decision-Making
During the final lap of the Grant Park 165, Cody Ware lost control heading into Turn 6 and slammed hard into the tire barrier. His radio message came quickly: “Need help.” But instead of an immediate yellow flag, NASCAR officials waited—35 seconds, to be exact—before signaling caution. By that time, Shane van Gisbergen had crossed the start-finish line to take the white flag, effectively locking in the race’s outcome.
The delay triggered backlash from across the sport. Steven Taranto of CBS Sports shared the radio call and wreck footage, which quickly went viral. Seth Eggert didn’t hold back his frustration, posting: “Seeing this clip of Cody Ware’s crash, I don’t know HOW it took NASCAR almost 35 seconds to throw a caution. Unreal. Unacceptable. Really glad Cody was able to walk away from that.”
According to Bob Pockrass, the cause of the crash was a blown brake rotor. Ware’s car had no chance to stop properly, and his impact with the barrier was severe enough to trigger immediate concern. Still, race officials initially held the caution, hoping Ware might be able to rejoin the race.
That assumption proved costly. With Ware’s car clearly immobile and his voice calling for assistance, the delay appeared unjustified. It wasn’t until officials were sure he could not move that the caution flag finally came out—too late to alter the race’s outcome.
From Cody Ware's onboard. He'd apparently been saying the right front had been locking up but didn't confirm if it was a tire or brake failure before getting out of the car.
Tough ending to what had been a great run for him. https://t.co/YgTC90rWZt pic.twitter.com/5BleyEWnsq
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) July 6, 2025
Reactions from the Paddock and Beyond
Even Shane van Gisbergen, who benefited from the delayed caution, noted how intense the closing moments felt. “Yeah, I tried not to get caught up in it,” he told reporters. “The spotters started celebrating and I’m like, guys, let’s get to the line first. I just drove around, tried not to make any mistakes because there were safety trucks all over the place and so much debris. I just cruised and then celebrated when we got to the line.”
By letting the race end without an overtime restart, NASCAR ensured a cleaner finish—but at the cost of transparency. This incident echoes what happened earlier this year in Atlanta, where similar caution inconsistencies left many confused. When Denny Hamlin was declared the winner under yellow in the Cup race, despite a caution not being called for a near-identical situation in the Xfinity race just one day earlier, fans and insiders alike began to question the criteria being used.
In both cases, NASCAR cited a desire to evaluate driver mobility and the severity of incidents before triggering a full-course yellow. But critics argue that the decision-making process still lacks clarity and consistency—especially in dangerous, high-speed environments like street courses.
Cody Ware’s Return and Season Overview
After a year spent mostly on the sidelines, Cody Ware returned to Rick Ware Racing as a full-time driver in 2025. While results have been sparse, his 13th-place finish at Atlanta showed glimpses of progress. That result marked his best showing of the season and one of only two top-15 finishes this year.
Sunday’s crash may not have ended in injury, but it added another harsh chapter to a career that’s been marked by struggle and perseverance. In 116 NASCAR Cup Series starts, Cody Ware has yet to reach Victory Lane and has only two top-10 finishes to his name. But even without results, his presence and incidents like Chicago continue to shape larger conversations around NASCAR officiating and safety standards.
News in Brief: NASCAR Under Fire After Cody Ware Crash
Cody Ware’s crash at the Chicago Street Race once again put the spotlight on NASCAR’s slow response to caution-worthy incidents. After slamming into the tire barrier and calling for help, Ware waited over 30 seconds before officials responded with a yellow flag. Critics across the sport, including Seth Eggert and Bob Pockrass, questioned the delay. With Ware now safe but visibly shaken, the debate continues over how quickly NASCAR should act when safety is on the line.
ALSO READ: Cody Ware’s Two-Hour Medical Stay Sparks Fear After Brutal Crash at Atlanta
