Rick Ware Racing suffered a massive blow following NASCAR’s decision to suspend Cody Ware indefinitely this week. The suspension comes after Ware was arrested and charged with felony “assault by strangulation” on a female, inflicting serious injury. Apparently, the incident occurred at a residence in Mooresville. In light of this suspension, RWR announced his replacement and fans couldn’t be happier.

While few details are available about Ware’s incident, it will certainly take time to conclude. In his 97 Cup Series races, the 27-year-old has just one top-10 finish to his name. However, given his replacement’s exploits in the Craftsman Truck Series, fans are optimistic about the team’s performances.

Who’s going to replace Cody Ware for the Cup Series race at Martinsville?

What happened with Cody Ware was unprecedented and left Rick Ware Racing scrambling for replacements. Suspicions grew regarding his absence as Matt Crafton replaced him at the Bristol Motor Speedway last Sunday. Things started looking fishier when the #51 driven by Ware bore Crafton’s name in Tennessee.

While Ware has been released from jail on a $3,000 bond, he is expected to appear in district court on May 1. With allegations of domestic violence against Rick Ware’s son, the investigation may consume a significant amount of time. Meanwhile, his team has announced his replacement for the race at Martinsville.

Young NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Zane Smith is the chosen one in this case. The 23-year-old is a consistent front-of-the-pack driver in the Truck Series, scoring 50 top-10 finishes in 71 races. He is also the defending champion. Currently, driving for Front Row Motorsports, Smith pledged to take part in six Cup Series races this season in place of Todd Gilliland. Out of which, he has completed two, with one coming at Daytona 500 and the other at Phoenix Raceway.

Previously, Smith took part in the Cup Series last year while driving once for RFK Racing when he replaced Chris Buescher. This opportunity through RWR means he will compete for a third different team in four Cup Series starts. The young California-born driver certainly has plenty of potential and the NASCAR faithful know it.

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It doesn’t come as a surprise why the fans reacted the way they did hearing Smith’s news.

Fans react as Zane Smith is set to replace Cody Ware for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville

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In his young career, Zane Smith has looked more than impressive. In 74 Truck Series races, he has won nine races. Furthermore, ever since making his debut in the 2020 season with GMS Racing, Smith has finished as the runner-up twice and won the championship once.

For a racer at 23, that surely speaks volumes of his abilities. No wonder the fans couldn’t control their excitement as the news about Smith replacing Cody Ware unfolded. Some of the fans on Reddit commented as follows:

“Great choice”

“This kids going to the 4. Book it.”

“Nice. Now let’s temper our expectations a bit. One week is not near enough time for any team to prep a car. This will still be the Typical 51 RWR backmarker. That said. Go Zane. Go for a top 25!”

“The #51 car is about to run faster than it ever has before.”

“Makes the most sense”

“Yay, go Zane!”

Certainly, Smith is a fan favorite and it would be interesting to see how he fairs out on Sunday. What do you make of Rick Ware Racing going with the talented youngster? Let us know in the comments below.

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