Rick Ware Racing and Costa Oil are launching a new partnership for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event at Iowa Speedway, with Costa Oil becoming the primary sponsor of the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driven by Cody Ware. The Rick Ware Racing Costa Oil partnership aims to boost national visibility for both brands during the high-profile Iowa Corn 350, scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Newton.
Costa Oil Steps Into the NASCAR Spotlight
Costa Oil 10-Minute Oil Change, a rapidly expanding quick-lube company with over 65 locations nationwide, will be featured prominently on Cody Ware’s vehicle throughout the event. The well-recognized gold and black Costa Oil livery will take center stage as the partners seek to extend their successful relationship, previously built in the CARS Tour and NASCAR Xfinity Series, into the elite Cup Series field.
“We’re thrilled to be back on track as a primary sponsor of the No. 51 car at Iowa Speedway with Cody Ware and Rick Ware Racing,”
—Costa Kapothanasis, CEO, Costa Oil.
The alliance is designed for more than just on-track branding, reflecting a shared vision for exposure and long-term growth. Rick Ware’s expertise in cultivating valuable, strategic partnerships plays a central role in deepening the relationship beyond mere logo placement, and it highlights both organizations’ commitment to sustained collaboration.
Building Awareness and Supporting Franchisees
Strategically, Iowa presents an important location for Costa Oil, with several of their 10-Minute Oil Change shops operating throughout the state—including one less than 10 minutes away from the speedway itself in Newton at 1217 1st Ave. East. The sponsorship is designed to bolster Costa Oil’s recognition and credibility across the country.
“Every time our car hits the track, it builds awareness that directly benefits our franchisees and lends even more credibility to us as we continue scaling into a nationally recognized brand. It’s a true alliance.”
—Costa Kapothanasis, CEO, Costa Oil.
The journey to this Cup Series partnership began with previous programs, such as the one involving Carson Ware in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, which established the collaborative foundation for what has evolved into the current sponsorship at the highest level of stock car racing.
“Our initial collaboration with Carson Ware in the Xfinity Series was more than a marketing opportunity – it helped set the tone internally for what this partnership means,”
—Brandon Cornelius, Chief Operating Officer, Costa Oil.
“When our team gathered earlier this year at Pocono to support RWR at that race, it brought a renewed sense of pride and culture throughout the organization. Now, taking that next step to be a full primary at Iowa, it’s the kind of milestone that feels like a dream realized for all of us at Costa Oil.”
—Brandon Cornelius, Chief Operating Officer, Costa Oil.
Shared Values Drive the Partnership
Founded in 2013, Costa Oil has built its reputation on fast, convenient oil changes and customer-centric service, including complimentary fluid top-offs and tire-pressure checks. By partnering with Rick Ware Racing, Costa Oil aligns with an organization sharing similar priorities: speed, efficiency, and a commitment to growth.
“We’re proud to showcase Costa Oil’s first primary race partnership with RWR this weekend at Iowa,”
—Rick Ware, Team Owner, Rick Ware Racing.
“They’re a fast-growing company that’s changing the game in the quick-lube space by focusing on speed, convenience and customer care – all values we live by in motorsports. Costa Oil is a brand that shares our drive to grow, compete and deliver results.”
—Rick Ware, Team Owner, Rick Ware Racing.
Looking Ahead for Rick Ware Racing and Costa Oil
This weekend’s event represents a significant milestone not only for Costa Oil’s marketing ambitions but also for the broader goals of Rick Ware Racing as the partners push into new territory in the NASCAR Cup Series. Together, they look to leverage increased national attention, support their franchise base, and demonstrate their shared values to the motorsports community at Iowa Speedway and beyond. The partnership sets the tone for potential further collaborations, greater visibility for Costa Oil, and continued momentum for both organizations on and off the track.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Rick Ware Racing ever won?
A. In 1983, Ware & Sons received the Rookie of the Year award from the California Sports Car Club, with Rick driving their car. Rick continued to lead Ware & Sons to multiple victories, including championships in the SCCA and IMSA series.
Q. Has Rick Ware Racing ever won a championship?
A. Ware fields victorious teams in various racing series. These include NHRA with Clay Millican, who won the 2024 American Flat Track title and the 2022 FIM World Supercross Championship. They also secured the prototype category in the 2019-2020 Asian Le Mans Series.
Q. Who will drive for Rick Ware Racing in 2025?
A. As we approach 2025, the team is retaining crew chief Billy Plourde, who will partner with Cody Ware for the entire season.
Q. How many charters does Rick Ware Racing own?
A. RWR holds two Charters at the moment. This year, they have rented one to RFK Racing for the No. 60 Ford, driven by Ryan Preece. Charters are allowed to be rented out once in every seven-year period. RWR has a contract with RFK Racing to lease both of their Charters, one each year, over two years.
