Cody Ware will return to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2025, driving the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing. Billy Plourde will serve as crew chief.

The 29-year-old driver showcased strong performance in his part-time schedule during 2024, achieving an average finish of 21.0 across nine races. His career-best fourth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway marked his first top-five in the series.

"The NASCAR Cup Series is where every driver wants to be and I'm grateful to be back full time," Ware said. "I've improved as a driver and RWR has improved as a team, and this is, by far, the best opportunity I've had in NASCAR. I aim to make the most of it and earn the respect of my competitors."

Rick Ware, Cody's father and team owner, expressed confidence in the decision: "Cody made a lot out of the nine races he ran for us last year and proved that he was deserving of a full-time opportunity. Running a part-time schedule isn't easy because it's hard to develop consistency when you're out of the car for weeks on end."

This marks Ware's return to full-time competition since 2022. He has accumulated 106 Cup Series starts since 2017. The team's No. 15 Ford charter has been leased to RFK Racing for 2025, with Tim Brown set to compete in The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as an Open entry.

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