Cody Ware is returning to Daytona International Speedway confident after a notable performance six months ago at the same track, where he led four times for a total of 23 laps in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. Driving for Rick Ware Racing, Ware stood out by leading among the top three in laps led and maintaining a consistent presence in the top-10 despite starting deep in the field.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Daytona 500, Ware expects to build on his momentum and elevate his results with a more aggressive approach and stronger backing this season.
Increased Aggression Yields Positive Results
In previous years, Ware employed a more cautious style on superspeedways like Daytona, but recently he has shifted to a more assertive strategy. This change helped him move quickly through the pack in the last race, rising from 35th to first position by lap 39. Ware shared his mindset, explaining his growing confidence:
“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.”
He also noted the equalizing nature of superspeedway racing and his intent to capitalize on recent lessons learned, aiming not just for solid finishes but for victory.
“I’ve always enjoyed the superspeedways. They’re one of the great equalizers for the Cup Series,”
Ware commented.
“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.”
Renewed Partnerships Provide a Competitive Edge
Ware’s efforts at Daytona are supported by a long-standing partner, Jacob Construction, a Florida-based company returning for its ninth consecutive season with Rick Ware Racing. Known for their diverse involvement across multiple motorsports disciplines—including NHRA drag racing, Flat Track, Supercross, and the zMAX CARS Tour—Jacob Construction has been integral to the team’s growth and stability.
Jacob Construction also constructed the Chevrolet Experience near Daytona’s victory lane, a venue that hosts VIPs and exclusive delivery events during race weekends. This connection aligns with a significant new alliance for RWR, which will introduce Chevrolet as its manufacturer in 2026, accompanied by a technical partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and use of engines from ECR Engines.
When discussing the switch to Chevrolet and the alliance with RCR, Ware expressed enthusiasm about the potential benefits:
“It’s a new advantage for us to be able to work with Chevrolet,”
Ware said.
“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.”
Promising Past Performances Fuel High Expectations
Beyond his strong recent showing where he finished fourth in the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400, Daytona remains a track where Ware believes his team can compete effectively. He highlighted the combination of offseason improvements, new alliances, and his personal growth as factors that position him to challenge more aggressively this year.
“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.”
Daytona 500 Week Kicks Off with Practice and Qualifying
The buildup to the Daytona 500 will begin with a 50-minute practice session scheduled for 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday, followed by pole qualifying later that evening at 8:15 p.m. Only the two fastest drivers in qualifying will secure locked-in starting positions for the Daytona 500. The remaining spots will be determined in twin 150-mile Duel races on Thursday evening, setting the full grid for the prestigious event.
Fans can watch the Duels on FS1 and tune into SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for live coverage. The Daytona 500 itself will take place on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., with broadcasts also available via FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Looking Forward: What This Means for Ware and RWR
This season promises to be pivotal for Cody Ware and Rick Ware Racing as they integrate new technical alliances and leverage longstanding partnerships. Ware’s growing confidence and previous performances at Daytona are motivating factors as the team aims to break through with their first career Cup Series win, starting at one of the sport’s most iconic venues. With strategic adjustments and fresh resources, Ware’s prospects at the Daytona 500 look more promising than ever.
