In a significant development for one of NASCAR’s most persistent underdog operations, Rick Ware Racing will field an entry in the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time since joining the Cup Series in 2012. The team announced that Harrison Burton will pilot their flagship No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Sunday’s prestigious exhibition event at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Burton, 24, earned his eligibility for the All-Star Race thanks to his breakthrough victory in last summer’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway — his first and only triumph at NASCAR’s highest level. That win, while driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racing team, cemented Burton’s place among the 20 drivers qualified for the 250-lap main event.

“Being a part of the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time is a milestone moment for our organization,” said team owner Rick Ware. “It’s an honor to have a place in the main event, and we’re just as proud to provide Harrison the opportunity to compete in the All-Star Race. He definitely earned his spot, and he deserves to be here. It’s a big opportunity for both of us.”

Morton Buildings, which has supported Burton throughout his NASCAR career, will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 51 Ford for the exhibition event. To accommodate this special arrangement, Cody Ware — the regular driver of the No. 51 entry — will move to the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang for this weekend only.

For Burton, the opportunity represents a chance to showcase his talents on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages after transitioning back to the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season. Following three full-time Cup Series campaigns with Wood Brothers Racing, Burton now competes for AM Racing in the Xfinity Series, where he’s currently positioned inside the top 10 in the championship standings with one top-five and six top-10 finishes through the first 12 races of 2025.

“The All-Star Race is one of those events you grow up dreaming about, so to have a spot on the grid is really special,” Burton said. “Winning at Daytona last year was a huge moment in my career, and I’m thankful to Rick [Ware] and the entire [Rick Ware Racing] team for giving me the opportunity to make that win count by putting me in their car for the All-Star Race. We’ve been building some great momentum in the Xfinity Series, and I’m looking forward to carrying that into North Wilkesboro and competing against the best in the sport.”

While Burton is locked into the main event, the team will also field Cody Ware in the NASCAR All-Star Open, giving RWR a chance to potentially place both cars in the prestigious All-Star Race. Ware will drive the No. 15 Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse and attempt to transfer into the main event by finishing in the top two positions in the Open or by winning the Fan Vote.

Cody Ware’s best finish in previous All-Star Open competition came in 2022 at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished ninth. The driver expressed appreciation for the opportunity while showing support for the decision to place Burton in his usual ride.

“I’m proud to be a part of Rick Ware Racing and this is another reason why,” said Cody Ware. “Any opportunity at the Cup level is huge. To earn a spot in the All-Star Race and then not be able to actually compete — that’d be a tough pill to swallow. It’s great to see this organization be the one that puts Harrison in the All-Star Race. He earned his spot with his win at Daytona. It’s added incentive for me to race hard in the Open and join him in the All-Star Race.”

The NASCAR All-Star weekend festivities will culminate on Sunday, May 18, at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. The 100-lap Open begins at 5:30 PM ET, followed by the 250-lap All-Star Race at 8:00 PM ET. Three drivers from the All-Star Open — the top two finishers plus the Fan Vote winner — will advance to join Burton and the other pre-qualified drivers in the main event.

For Rick Ware Racing, a team that has often fought an uphill battle against NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations with significantly larger budgets and resources, having an automatic entry in the All-Star Race represents a tangible sign of progress. While the team has historically operated in the back half of the field, moments like these demonstrate the perseverance that has kept them competing at NASCAR’s highest level for over a decade.

As Burton prepares to represent RWR in their first All-Star appearance, both driver and team will be looking to make the most of this rare opportunity to compete against NASCAR’s elite with a guaranteed starting position in one of the sport’s most exclusive events.