Rick Ware Racing (RWR) will change manufacturers for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, shifting from Ford to Chevrolet. The team also announced a new technical partnership with Richard Childress Racing and ECR engines as part of the Rick Ware Racing manufacturer switch.
Details of the Transition to Chevrolet
As one of the few remaining one-car teams holding a charter, Rick Ware Racing will enter a multi-year technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and ECR engines starting in 2026. This move to Chevrolet marks a significant change for the team, which has used Ford vehicles since the start of the Next Gen era in 2022. The alliance is expected to provide technical support and improve competitive performance for the single-car Cup team.
Recent Performance and Team History
Rick Ware Racing ended last season ranked last among chartered teams in the Cup Series standings. Cody Ware, driving the No. 51 Ford Mustang, finished the year in 36th place with no top-ten finishes, joining Riley Herbst of 23XI Racing as the only full-time drivers without a top-ten finish. The team’s best performance came at Atlanta, where Ware secured 13th place. RWR’s history in the Cup Series dates back to 2012, and although the team has never claimed victory, it finished as high as fourth at the Daytona 500 in 2020 with David Ragan and in the summer 2024 Daytona race with Cody Ware.
Chevrolet’s Growing Presence in NASCAR
RWR’s decision to return to Chevrolet increases the count to 17 full-time Cup entries planning to run Chevrolets in the 2026 season. Earlier, Haas Factory Team also switched from Ford to Chevrolet, forming a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. By comparison, Ford is anticipated to have ten teams and Toyota nine for the upcoming year, reflecting competitive shifts among top manufacturers.
Broader Impact for Cup Series Teams
By forming this alliance and changing manufacturers, Rick Ware Racing aims to enhance its future prospects in the NASCAR Cup Series. The move may influence other single-car teams considering similar manufacturer alliances, as the competitive environment among Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota intensifies. The decision signals increased collaboration between smaller teams and established organizations like Richard Childress Racing, potentially reshaping technical support structures in the Cup Series moving forward.
