Rick Ware Racing enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at a crossroads, but also with a sense of real opportunity. After spending several seasons with Ford, the team makes a major shift to Chevrolet, pairing that move with a new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines. For a team that has often been fighting uphill battles, this change signals a clear intent to improve performance and credibility at the sport’s highest level. While expectations should remain realistic, the foundation for progress is finally in place.

The switch to Chevrolet could be the most important move Rick Ware Racing has made in years. Aligning with Richard Childress Racing gives the No. 51 team access to stronger technical resources, better data, and proven engines. ECR power has long been a staple of competitive Chevrolet teams, and that alone should help close some of the gap RWR has faced in raw speed and reliability. This alliance will not suddenly turn the team into a weekly contender, but it should allow them to be more competitive, especially on intermediate tracks where equipment plays a major role.

Cody Ware returns for his third full-time Cup Series season with valuable experience under his belt. His 2025 campaign was tough on paper, but it was not without bright spots. Ware showed flashes of potential at drafting tracks, most notably at EchoPark Speedway and Daytona. Leading 23 laps in the regular-season finale at Daytona and putting himself in position to fight for a playoff spot was a reminder that, in the right circumstances, he can run up front and handle pressure. Those moments matter for confidence and growth.

Heading into 2026, the goals for Rick Ware Racing and Cody Ware should be focused and achievable. Improvement in average finishes, more time spent inside the top 25, and continued competitiveness at superspeedways would represent real progress. With stronger manufacturer support and a respected alliance in place, the No. 51 Chevrolet has a chance to take meaningful steps forward. Rick Ware Racing may still be a rebuilding team, but for the first time in a while, the road ahead looks clearer than the one behind them.