Rick Ware Racing switching to Chevrolets in 2026

Rick Ware Racing announced Monday that it will switch from Fords to Chevrolets as part of a multi-year agreement starting with the 2026 season.

The move is also part of a new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing that will include the use of engines prepared by ECR Engines.

"Chevrolet has always set a high bar with its people, its performance and its passion for racing, and partnering with them gives us the resources and support to make real progress on the race track," team owner Rick Ware said in a press release. "Teaming up with RCR and ECR provides a foundation we can build on, not just for 2026, but for the future of our race team. We're proud to be part of the Chevrolet family."

Cody Ware, the son of the team owner, drives RWR's No. 51 in the NASCAR Cup Series. He made 36 starts and led 31 laps during the 2025 season. His best finish was 13th at EchoPark Speedway in June.

Rick Ware Racing fielded Fords for the past four seasons. Before 2021, the team made 268 starts with Chevrolets.

RWR has recorded two top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes in 702 starts in the Cup Series.

"Rick and his team have shown a real commitment to growing their program, and we're proud to support that effort alongside our partners at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines," said Pat Suhy, manager of NASCAR competition for GM Motorsports. "Bringing RWR into the Chevrolet fold is a win for all of us. Their drive to keep improving aligns with our dedication to performance and innovation."

Chevy won the manufacturers' championship for the 44th time overall and fifth consecutive year in 2025.

"The NASCAR Cup Series is the toughest and most competitive series in motorsports, and this is an important move for the long-term growth of our company," Ware said. "We've won in NHRA, American Flat Track, World Supercross and the CARS Tour, and we want to elevate our NASCAR performance to the level of our other programs."

--Field Level Media