Rick Ware Racing faced a tough outing at the Cook Out Clash on February 4, 2026, missing out on a spot in the non-points NASCAR Cup Series event at Bowman Gray Stadium. Despite a stronger program than last year, Cody Ware and the No. 51 Evel Knievel Museum Chevrolet team were unable to race their way into the feature, setting sights on Daytona for redemption as Rick Ware Racing news continues to develop this season.
Cody Ware’s Race and Reflections Amid Early Setback
Cody Ware started the last-chance qualifier (LCQ) from seventh, having qualified 27th overall on the 23-car field format. An early spin disrupted his momentum in the 75-lap LCQ, and he ultimately finished 15th, falling short of advancing to the main event where only the top-two finishers and the highest driver in 2025 final points would move on.
Ware reflected on the team’s progress and the challenges faced, stating,
“I feel like compared to 2025, it’s a night-and-day difference with the program, the speed in the car. Really didn’t get a chance to get far into the race before we got spun. I wish we could’ve had a shot to try to race our way in. We were a few spots shy of making it in and qualifying but, either way, I’m really proud of the 51 Chevrolet bunch and looking forward to putting a fast car on the racetrack in Daytona next week.”
— Cody Ware, Driver
Cook Out Clash Recap and Race Highlights
The Cook Out Clash, the opening exhibition race for the NASCAR Cup Series, saw Ryan Preece of RFK Racing clinch a commanding win, finishing 1.752 seconds ahead of William Byron. Of the 23 drivers who qualified, all but one remained on the lead lap. Bowman Gray Stadium—celebrated as the nation’s longest-running weekly racetrack—provided an intense backdrop, though only the top 20 in practice or qualifying advanced to the show, leaving teams like Rick Ware Racing sidelined for the night.
Looking Forward: Daytona Speedweek Approaches
Rick Ware Racing now shifts focus to Daytona, where the official start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season begins with Daytona Speedweek from February 11-15. Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is scheduled for the evening of February 11, with FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio covering the action. Only the front row will be determined through time trials, while the rest of the grid battles through the renowned Duel qualifying races on February 12. The main event, the Daytona 500, happens February 15, where Rick Ware and his No. 51 team look to translate offseason gains into on-track results and make their mark on one of racing’s most storied stages.
As the team regroups after Bowman Gray, the journey continues in Florida, carrying lessons learned and renewed determination as Rick Ware Racing news remains closely watched by fans and competitors alike.
