| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard S. “Rick” Ware |
| Birth Place | United States (specific city not disclosed) |
| Birth Date | August 6, 1963 |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents | John Ware |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Relationship/Spouse | Married to Lisa Ware |
| Children | Cody Ware, Carson Ware |
| Profession | Professional Racecar Driver and NASCAR Team Owner |
| Team | Rick Ware Racing (RWR) |
Rick Ware
Richard S. “Rick” Ware, born August 6, 1963, is an American professional racecar driver and team owner, best known as the founder of Rick Ware Racing (RWR). With a career spanning multiple decades, Ware has evolved from a driver into a prominent NASCAR team owner, while also expanding his organization into NHRA drag racing, American Flat Track motorcycles, and FIM World Supercross, making RWR one of the most diverse operations in motorsports.
Early Life and Background
Ware developed a passion for racing early on, starting motocross at age nine before transitioning to BMX racing by age twelve. His early competitive spirit led to Rookie of the Year honors in the California Sports Car Club in 1983. Influenced by his father, John Ware, who raced in the 1960s and 1970s, Rick pursued road racing in SCCA and IMSA before moving into stock cars. He made his NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut in 1990 at The Bud at the Glen but faced injuries and sponsorship challenges that ultimately shifted his focus toward team ownership.
Career
Rick Ware formally established Rick Ware Racing in 1995, evolving it from his earlier Ware Racing Enterprises efforts. Initially a small, part-time operation, RWR has steadily grown into a full-time NASCAR Cup Series competitor, fielding multiple cars each season. The team has been home to a rotating lineup of drivers, including Cody Ware, Riley Herbst, and Kaz Grala, running primarily the No. 51 and No. 15 Ford Mustangs.
In 2020, Ware expanded RWR by acquiring Premium Motorsports, doubling his team’s presence in the Cup Series. Relocating to Mooresville, North Carolina, and later to a modern shop in Concord, NC, on the RFK Racing campus in 2023, RWR’s alliance with RFK has significantly improved technical support and race performance.
Beyond NASCAR, Ware has invested in NHRA Top Fuel drag racing, motorcycle racing, and World Supercross, creating a multi-platform motorsports organization with broad reach and competitive ambitions.
Off-Track Ventures
Ware is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, running lean, multi-role teams to manage daily operations efficiently. He plays an active role in sponsor relations, marketing, and team development, ensuring RWR maintains a strong presence both on and off the track. His diversification strategy has made RWR one of the few organizations competing across multiple professional racing series simultaneously.
Net Worth
Rick Ware’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his multi-series racing footprint, NASCAR charter ownership, and long-term sponsorship deals suggest a significant financial stake in motorsports.
Family Life
Ware is married to Lisa Ware and is the father of NASCAR drivers Cody Ware and Carson Ware. The Ware family is heavily involved in racing operations, maintaining a close-knit, family-first approach to team management and competition.
Recent Controversies
In 2019, RWR was penalized for race manipulation at Homestead, but since then, the team has maintained a professional reputation. In 2025, legal disputes surfaced regarding potential sales of NASCAR assets, though RWR continues to field competitive entries under Rick Ware’s leadership.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
2024: RWR fielded multiple full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, achieving top-10 finishes and strengthening its alliance with RFK Racing for improved technical support.
1 August 2025: The team remains a full-time Cup Series competitor, focusing on growth, stronger driver lineups, and long-term stability under Rick Ware’s management.