Rick Ware Racing has announced they will not enter a second car in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500, in contrast to previous years when they fielded additional entries. The team’s decision comes amid shifting alliances and a crowded qualifier field for this year’s event at Daytona International Speedway.
Rick Ware Racing Reduces Entries for Daytona
In 2025, Rick Ware Racing leased out its second charter to RFK Racing but still managed to run a second car for select races, including last year’s Daytona 500. Corey LaJoie, driving the No. 01 Ford, notably worked his way from 17th to 6th in the Duel to secure a spot among the four open qualifiers. He went on to claim 12th on the starting grid, led 10 laps during the race, and ultimately finished in 22nd place.
For the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500, the team has opted not to field a second entry. Cody Ware, who remains the full-time driver for Rick Ware Racing, will continue in the No. 51 car, which has transitioned from Ford to Chevrolet following an offseason switch in manufacturer and a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing. This change marks a strategic adjustment for the team as they focus on building performance and consistency with their single, chartered car.
Expanded Grid and Tight Competition for Starting Spots
The No. 51 Chevrolet, as a chartered entry, is guaranteed a place in the 200-lap race at Daytona International Speedway. For this year, there are a total of 37 chartered cars, with Legacy Motor Club’s Jimmie Johnson and his No. 84 Toyota securing a position through the Open Exemption Provisional. As a result, four starting spots are left open to qualifying challengers, two determined by single-car qualifying and two by America 250 Florida Duel races.
This arrangement brings the official start list to 41 cars, a rare occurrence that has only happened once since 1993. Notably, Jimmie Johnson, due to his exemption, cannot compete for the open spots, limiting the contest pool and heightening the intensity of the battle for entry. Eight cars are expected to fight for these final four positions, a scenario that may have influenced the decision by Rick Ware Racing and others, like Richard Childress Racing, to forgo expanding their lineups for this particular race.
Key Driver Movements and Qualifying Schedule
Corey LaJoie has found a new seat for this year, driving a fourth car for RFK Racing. His No. 99 Ford is among the eight cars aiming for a place on the starting grid without the security of charter status. The single-car qualifying event will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 from Daytona International Speedway starting at 8:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 11. Following qualifying, the America 250 Florida Duel races will air live on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 12. The main event, widely known as the Great American Race, will be shown live on Fox at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15.
Implications of This Year’s Entry List
The decision by Rick Ware Racing and other teams to limit their entries reflects the increasingly tight competition and evolving alliances in the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500. These moves may affect the dynamics on the track and could set a precedent for how teams evaluate risk and opportunity in upcoming seasons. As the field shapes up with a significant number of open entrants battling for a handful of spots, fans and teams alike will be watching to see which drivers can seize their chance on racing’s biggest stage.
