Rick Ware Racing announced Saturday (April 8) that Cody Ware will be stepping aside from the team’s No. 51 for the NASCAR Cup Series event at the Bristol Motor Speedway dirt race.
RWR said that Ware is stepping away to deal with a personal matter.
In his place, three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Matt Crafton will assume driving duties. Crafton is also set to compete in the Truck race at Bristol Saturday in his full-time ride, the No. 88 at ThorSport Racing.
The 46-year-old will be making his third career Cup start, last competing at Martinsville Speedway in 2019. He has 526 Truck starts and 15 wins to his credit.
No additional comment from the team was given surrounding Ware’s sudden withdrawal. It’s unclear whether he will be granted a NASCAR playoff waiver if needed.
About the author
Luken Glover arrived on the Frontstretch scene in 2020. He has been an avid NASCAR fan for the majority of his life, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who used to help former team owner Junie Donlavey in his garage. Glover covers news for the site and took over "The Underdog House" column in 2021. In addition to being a college junior, his hobbies include volunteering at church, playing basketball and tennis, racing go-karts, and helping at his high school alma mater.
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