After experiencing a frightening crash on Chicago’s city streets, Cody Ware faces a new challenge in his NASCAR career. The 29-year-old driver will compete without some of his regular pit crew members for the next two races due to their suspension related to a loose tire incident during the event at Sonoma Raceway last weekend.
Ware, driving the #51 Ford for Rick Ware Racing, lost a right-rear tire on lap 96 at the California road course track. NASCAR rules, specifically Section 8.8.10.4.C, mandate penalties such as suspensions when loose wheels are involved. As a result, two pit crew members, Marquill Osborne and De’Quan Hampton, have been suspended for the upcoming races at Dover Motor Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The suspension announcement was shared by motorsport news outlet Jayski, which stated,
“Rick Ware Racing has two pit-crew members suspended for Cody Ware having a wheel come off during the Cup race.”
Rough Races for Cody Ware: From Brake Failure to Tire Issues
During the Sonoma race, Ware’s team had to manage the implications of the lost tire, which forced an unscheduled pit stop. This setback led to Ware finishing in 34th place, two laps behind the leader. This result came shortly after a difficult outing at the Chicago street race, where Ware suffered a brake rotor failure. To reduce speed, he intentionally rode against the wall before ultimately crashing into the tire barrier at turn six at high speed. Despite the severity of the crash, Ware emerged without serious injuries.
Ware is scheduled to return behind the wheel of the #51 Ford for the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway this Sunday. The 400-lap oval event will begin at 2:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
Cody Ware Shares Update on Health and Safety After Chicago Crash
Following the crash in Chicago, Ware provided an update on his condition, expressing relief and gratitude for his safety. He thanked fans and support staff for their concern and emphasized the role of his team and safety equipment in protecting him during the crash.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out the last couple days and checked on me. Praise the Lord for keeping me safe during that wreck, blowing a rotor at Chicago was not a fun experience. Huge thanks to my team and all the mechanics working on these cars to keep me safe, and all of the safety equipment that I was wearing.” —Cody Ware, NASCAR Driver
While the medical aftermath was reassuring, NASCAR faced criticism for the slow deployment of the caution flag following the crash. The sanctioning body later acknowledged the delay, explaining that officials did not have immediate access to footage of the incident when it occurred.
Implications and Outlook for Cody Ware’s Upcoming Races
The suspension of key pit crew members adds pressure on Ware and the Rick Ware Racing team as they prepare for two crucial upcoming events. The absence of Osborne and Hampton during the pit stops at Dover and Indianapolis may affect performance and race strategy. With Ware recovering physically and striving to maintain competitiveness despite setbacks, the next few races will be a significant test for both the driver and his team in the high-stakes NASCAR Cup Series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Cody Ware get suspended?
A. Ware was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, but she was also accused of assault, and her charge was eventually dropped, according to Fox. Fox Sports stated that the civil case against Ware will be dismissed as well. Ware said he always claimed he was not guilty, despite people quickly assuming he was.
