Rick Ware Racing has revealed plans to transition its NASCAR Cup Series operation to Chevrolet starting with the 2026 season, marking a new era for the team through a major Richard Childress Racing partnership. By teaming up with Chevrolet, the brand with more Cup Series manufacturer championships than any other, Rick Ware Racing aims to boost its competitive standing on tracks across the nation.
Details of the Technical Alliance and Engine Supply
This multiyear agreement secures not only Chevrolet factory backing but also a robust technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). As part of the deal, Rick Ware Racing will benefit from engines built by ECR Engines, aiming to achieve greater performance and reliability for the team moving forward. Rick Ware, RWR’s team owner, expressed excitement about joining Chevrolet, underscoring how the resources and commitment from both Chevrolet and RCR will help propel the team’s future.
“Chevrolet has always set a high bar with its people, its performance and its passion for racing, and partnering with them gives us the resources and support to make real progress on the racetrack. Teaming up with RCR and ECR provides a foundation we can build on, not just for 2026, but for the future of our race team. We’re proud to be part of the Chevrolet family,”
said Rick Ware, team owner, RWR.
Building on a Legacy of Racing Success
Chevrolet’s track record in the NASCAR Cup Series includes 44 manufacturer championships—far more than any other—and 881 all-time victories. The brand has clinched the last five manufacturer titles, reinforcing its reputation for performance and consistency. Rick Ware Racing hopes to channel this legacy, striving to bolster its own results in the highest echelon of stock car racing.
“The NASCAR Cup Series is the toughest and most competitive series in motorsports, and this is an important move for the long-term growth of our company. We’ve won in NHRA, American Flat Track, World Supercross and the CARS Tour, and we want to elevate our NASCAR performance to the level of our other programs.”
Support from Chevrolet and Industry Partners
Pat Suhy, who manages NASCAR Competition for GM Motorsports, praised Rick Ware Racing’s determination to elevate its program, highlighting that both Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines would be instrumental partners in the effort. Suhy noted the shared commitment to innovation that aligns all parties in this new partnership.
“Rick and his team have shown a real commitment to growing their program, and we’re proud to support that effort alongside our partners at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines,”
said Pat Suhy, manager, NASCAR Competition for GM Motorsports.
“Bringing RWR into the Chevrolet fold is a win for all of us. Their drive to keep improving aligns with our dedication to performance and innovation.”
Upcoming Debut and What Lies Ahead
Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 entry for Rick Ware Racing, will debut the team’s new Chevrolet in the Cook Out Clash non-points race on February 1 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The official campaign will launch at the iconic Daytona 500 on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, as the team competes in all 36 points-paying races on the 2026 schedule.
This Richard Childress Racing partnership signals not only a strategic move for Rick Ware Racing but also a broader commitment to pushing the limits of performance, with fans and the NASCAR community watching closely as the alliance takes shape in the coming seasons.
