Rick Ware Racing Joins Chevrolet for 2026 - A Bold Gamble Off the Track

In a striking turn ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, Rick Ware Racing (RWR) confirmed a major shift: after several years fielding Fords, the team is returning to Chevrolet – backed by a new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR).

The move comes with real hardware support: beginning next season, RWR’s No. 51 car, driven by Cody Ware, will be powered by engines prepared by ECR Engines under RCR oversight.

As team owner Rick Ware said in the official statement, “Chevrolet has always set a high bar with its people, its performance and its passion for racing … we’re proud to be part of the Chevrolet family.”

With Chevrolet claiming its 44th manufacturers’ championship — and a fifth in a row — in 2025, there’s no doubt the manufacturer brings serious pedigree.

For RWR, this is more than a livery change — it’s a strategic bet. Their history includes varied success across drag-racing, supercross, and late-model series, but Cup-level wins have eluded them. Switching to Chevrolet/RCR might finally give them competitive tools to challenge the upper mid-pack… or at least attract better equipment and sponsors.

For fans, sponsors, and insiders — and yes, even for those placing speculative bets — this shake-up makes next season one to watch. If you’re feeling lucky, maybe check a site like Winbox to follow the changing odds as the 2026 grid begins to take shape.