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 joined the Frontstretch team in 2020 as a contributor, furthering a love for racing that traces back to his earliest memories. Glover inherited his passion for racing from his grandfather, who used to help former NASCAR team owner Junie Donlavey in his Richmond, Va. garage. A 2023 graduate from the University of the Cumberlands, Glover is the author of "The Underdog House," contributes to commentary pieces, and does occasional at-track reporting. Additionally, Glover enjoys working in ministry, coaching basketball, playing sports, and karting.
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