Barrett Cope Racing has confirmed Carson Ware as their driver for the team’s first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event, taking place during the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. This marks a significant step for both Ware and the newly established team, highlighting the Carson Ware Barrett Cope Racing partnership at the United Rentals 300.
Barrett Cope Racing Announces Daytona Lineup with Carson Ware
The newly formed Barrett Cope Racing, a collaboration between Stanton Barrett Motorsports and Cope Family Racing, will make its debut at Daytona International Speedway with Carson Ware at the helm of the No. 30 Chevrolet Camaro. Ware, a native of Jamestown, North Carolina, is set to compete in the prestigious United Rentals 300, representing a fresh chapter in his racing career and for the team itself.
Carson Ware shared his enthusiasm for this opportunity:
“Excited to kick off the year with Barrett-Cope Racing @DAYTONA for the United Rentals 300! This opportunity means the world, and I owe a huge thank you to the entire Barrett, and Cope family. We’re gonna turn some heads this year, and make a statement. ??#NASCAR @Chevrolet…”
– Carson Ware, Driver.
Honoring Daytona’s Legacy and Team Spirit
Ware emphasized the personal and professional significance of racing at Daytona. He highlighted the legacy of Derrike Cope, referencing the historic underdog victory that helped shape this iconic venue’s legend.
“Daytona is a special place for this team,”
said Carson Ware.
“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. The track and every racecar driver want 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.
Ware, who began his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series career in 2020, has competed with various teams, including a personal best 20th-place finish at Pocono Raceway with SS-GreenLight Racing. Despite not having had the chance to fully demonstrate his talent in previous seasons, Ware sees this Daytona debut as a pivotal moment for his career.
Carson Ware Looks Forward to Growth and New Challenges
The chance to drive for Barrett Cope Racing allows Ware increased seat time and exposure.
“I feel I haven’t been able to really showcase what I can do in the O’Reilly Series in the past,”
said Carson Ware.
“So the opportunity to gain more seat time with this team and equipment is a gift I do not take lightly. Competing on the biggest stage in stock car racing is a huge milestone for my career, and I am ready for the challenge.”
– Carson Ware, Driver.
Ware is the second team member announced for Barrett Cope Racing’s 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign. He joins Baltazar Leguizamon, who is scheduled to race the No. 30 entry at several prominent tracks this season, including Circuit of The Americas, Martinsville Speedway, and Watkins Glen International.
Leadership Praises New Driver Partnership
Barrett, representing the team’s management and vision, expressed his excitement for Ware’s development:
“I’ve known Carson [Ware] his whole life and watched his career,”
Barrett said.
“I’m honored to be able to facilitate his career in the O’Reilly Series and make it more consistent. I believe he has real talent and we’re looking forward to providing the team to cultivate his successes.”
– Barrett, Team Representative.
The roster for Ware’s future appearances in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Barrett Cope Racing will be revealed in the coming weeks, further building excitement around this partnership.
The Significance of Racing at Daytona
Cope, drawing from his own deep experience, reflected on the magnitude of racing at Daytona in February: “It’s what you live for,” said Cope.
“It’s what every driver across every series wants — a ride at Daytona in February. Driving through that tunnel is all emotion, a dream realized. Every driver wants it, but only a few can secure it. It’s Carson’s time.”
– Cope, Team Representative.
This debut marks not only a critical moment for Carson Ware but also the culmination of effort by both Stanton Barrett Motorsports and Cope Family Racing, forming Barrett Cope Racing’s presence on NASCAR’s biggest stage. The 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will draw significant attention when it launches on Saturday, February 14, streamed live via The CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, as Ware and his team aim to make their mark at Daytona International Speedway.
Excited to kick off the year with Barrett-Cope Racing @DAYTONA for the United Rentals 300!
This opportunity means the world, and I owe a huge thank you to the entire Barrett, and Cope family.
We’re gonna turn some heads this year, and make a statement. 👊🏼#NASCAR @Chevrolet… pic.twitter.com/NQRMVcqCWO
— Carson Ware (@carsonreedware) January 14, 2026
