Cody Ware heads into the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway with high expectations, following a strong showing at the venue just six months ago. The Rick Ware Racing driver, determined to build on his recent success, brings both past momentum and a new technical partnership to NASCAR’s most iconic event, focusing on the opportunity for a breakthrough performance.
Building Momentum from Past Performance
Ware last raced at Daytona during the Coke Zero Sugar 400, where he showcased impressive pace. Leading four times for a total of 23 laps, Ware maintained a presence near the front of the pack, only trailing two other drivers in total laps led for the event. Even after starting near the back in 35th position, he worked his way into the lead by lap 39, demonstrating a mix of strategy and fearless driving. Ware was frequently seen running among the top ten, underlining his steady progress on superspeedways.
A Shift in Strategy and Attitude
Reflecting on his evolving approach, Ware noted his growth as a superspeedway racer over the past several seasons.
“In years past, I took a much more cautious approach to these superspeedway races, but the last handful of times we’ve been to Daytona, I’ve ramped up my aggression level without putting myself in bad spots,”
Ware said.
“I’ve got the confidence to just race hard, get up front, and stay up front.”
– Cody Ware, Driver
The increased assertiveness was evident in the previous Daytona race, and he intends to continue this momentum throughout Speedweeks as he seeks his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Superspeedways as an Equalizer
Ware emphasized his comfort and optimism at Daytona and similar high-speed tracks.
“I’ve always enjoyed the superspeedways. They’re one of the great equalizers for the Cup Series,”
Ware said.
“After what we learned at Daytona the last time we were there, now’s the time to capitalize and not just focus on a good result, but what it’s going to take to win.”
– Cody Ware, Driver
This positive outlook is supported by lessons learned with his team and the growing confidence within the Rick Ware Racing organization.
Strengthening Alliances and Backers
This year, Ware enters Daytona not only with momentum but also with a reliable sponsor and a significant technical shift. Jacob Construction, a Florida-based company that has been a visible partner of Rick Ware Racing for nine seasons, returns as the primary sponsor. The team’s impact stretches beyond NASCAR, fielding entries in several motorsports, including the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track, the WSX, and the zMAX CARS Tour.
Jacob Construction is notably responsible for the Chevrolet Experience fan area at Daytona’s victory lane, which showcases their work to fans and VIPs alike. The partnership’s visibility at the speedway underscores the sponsor’s long-term commitment to both the team and the sport.
Forging a New Technical Alliance with Chevrolet and RCR
Looking ahead to 2026, Rick Ware Racing will debut a new partnership with Chevrolet, further cementing competitive aspirations for the organization. This partnership also includes a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), and the team will utilize ECR Engines as part of its future plans. For the Daytona 500, Ware will drive the No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet Camaro, signaling this new era.
“It’s a new advantage for us to be able to work with Chevrolet,”
Ware explained.
“The number of teams Chevrolet has, the success – they’ve won the last three Daytona 500s – and the alliance we have with RCR, it’s all positive for us. I’m looking forward to rolling into Daytona with a Chevy bowtie on my hood and on my firesuit.”
– Cody Ware, Driver
Ware’s Best Results and Focused Preparation
In addition to last August’s impressive run, Daytona is also the site of Ware’s career-best Cup Series finish, a fourth-place result in the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400. This history of front-running performances has given both driver and team extra belief as the season opener approaches.
“Daytona is a place where we know we can have success because we’ve had success in the past,”
Ware said.
“And with our new alliance with Chevrolet and RCR, and all the effort and hard work that’s been put in over the offseason, we can ramp up our usual aggression in the race. We can see where we’re really at, how we stack up, how our qualifying program is compared to what it was last year. I think it’s going to be a lot different than what we’ve had in the past, and I think we’re going to be able to put our stake in the ground to show people all that we’re trying to accomplish this year.”
– Cody Ware, Driver
Daytona 500 Event Schedule and What’s Next
Preparations for the Daytona 500 ramp up on Wednesday with a 50-minute practice session, set for 10 a.m. EST, followed later by pole qualifying at 8:15 p.m. Only the top two qualifiers will be locked into their starting positions for the 68th running of the Daytona 500. The rest of the field will be set during the Duel races, twin 150-mile heats, beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. Both races will be broadcast live on FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The main event, the Daytona 500, takes place at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, available on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
As Cody Ware continues preparing for the Daytona 500, he does so with greater experience, strengthened partnerships, and a clear goal to elevate Rick Ware Racing into contention, positioning both himself and his team for potential breakthrough performances at one of the sport’s premier events.
