Barrett Cope Racing has announced that Carson Ware will be their first official driver as the team gets ready to compete in the season-opening NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Daytona International Speedway. The partnership marks a new chapter for both Ware and the team, which is managed by driver/owners Stanton Barrett and Derrike Cope, and places the spotlight on their shared ambition as they approach this major event.
Ware Takes the Wheel for Barrett Cope Racing’s Launch
Carson Ware is set to drive the No. 30 car in a fresh venture crafted by Stanton Barrett and Derrike Cope, combining their experience and hopes to make a memorable entrance at Daytona. The origination of Barrett Cope Racing, branded as BCR, signifies a strategic alliance designed to build on the legacy of its driver/owners and give Ware a platform to shine. In a team statement, Ware expressed how significant Daytona is to both himself and the organization:
“Daytona is a special place for this team,”
Ware said in a release.
“I love hearing the story about Derrike Cope winning here with a relatively unknown team and driver at the time. His story embodies what this place is.”
– Carson Ware, Driver
“The track every racecar driver wants an opportunity to drive is Daytona and this race weekend is as big as it gets! I know what a privilege this is and I plan on learning as much as I can to deliver a strong performance for BCR, who have put their trust in me.”
– Carson Ware, Driver
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Carson Ware brings recent racing experience to BCR, having competed in five O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events during 2025, most notably securing a 21st-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway while driving for Mike Harmon Racing. The team has also confirmed he is their second driver announced for 2026, following the addition of Baltazar Leguizamon.
While Barrett Cope Racing is new to the O’Reilly field, co-owner Derrike Cope ran in the series last year with Cope Family Racing in the No. 70 entry, underscoring the team’s deep ties to the sport. Though Ware’s full racing schedule with BCR has not yet been released, the announcement confirms he will represent the team throughout the season.
Anticipation Runs High Ahead of Daytona
The arrival of Carson Ware at Barrett Cope Racing for the Daytona debut stands out as a promising partnership, with both parties eager to build on the momentum of this season’s high-profile start. The collaboration draws on Ware’s drive, Cope’s legendary Daytona victory, and the new team’s ambitions, setting the stage for a meaningful run in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and inspiring attention from fans and competitors alike as the action at Daytona International Speedway approaches.
