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NASCAR NEWS: 9 Months After His Suspension, Cody Ware Gives Cup Series Update

Published 01/21/2024, 8:39 PM EST

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Cody Ware has been out of action for a while, largely due to some circumstances. He competed in seven Cup races in 2023 before suddenly being pulled out for the rest of the season. As it happened, he was arrested for a felony and was punched with an indefinite suspension by NASCAR. Later on, after more investigations, the charges were dropped in December, and then NASCAR was quick to reinstate him.

Now, the Rick Ware Racing driver has opened up about his chances of returning to the Cup Series. According to Bob Pockrass, Cody Ware plans to compete in a handful of Cup races in 2024. Instead, he will share driving duties with Kaz Grala in the #15 Ford car, starting in April. Admittedly, it is unclear as to who will pilot the car at Daytona in February.

Cody Ware will steadily work hard and hopefully go full-time in 2025

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As per reports, Cody Ware is expected to run in 10 races out of the 36. Meanwhile, Kaz Grala will compete in 25 races, but that still leaves the Daytona berth up for grabs. There was a chance for the previous occupant, JJ Yeley, to take up the spot. However, he confirmed that he wanted to focus on a full-time Xfinity Series campaign in 2024.

Other possible candidates include Riley Herbst, Brennan Poole, Gray Gaulding, Andy Lally, and Ryan Newman. Additionally, Rick Ware Racing could also call upon 2009 Formula One champion Jenson Button to run in the Daytona 500, who has already competed for the organization in three races, with a best finish of 18th at COTA.

READ MORE: After Losing $3.5 Million in Sponsorships, Can Rick Ware Racing Prove Themselves in NASCAR With New Found Momentum in 2024?

Meanwhile, in the #51 sister car, Justin Haley will compete on a full-time schedule.

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How has the driver performed in his NASCAR career?

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If we’re being technical, Cody Ware began competing in the Cup Series in 2016. What happened was that he made his debut for Premium Motorsports at the Sonoma Raceway but failed to qualify for the race. In the following year, he joined his father’s team, Rick Ware Racing, and has been there ever since.

Admittedly, he only enjoyed a handful of Cup Series starts, sporadically. This lasted until the 2021 season, when he began racing on a full-time basis. So far in his career, he enjoyed a best-ever finish of 6th place at the 2022 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at the Daytona International Speedway.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Cody Ware’s Suspension Leads to a Great Result for NASCAR Fans as Meritorious Driver Gets a Golden Opportunity

Who knows, maybe he could have improved his championship position from 32nd in 2022 had he not been embroiled in his controversy. Now, it will be a chance for him to make a fresh start and banish the demons of his past.

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Written by:

Dhruv George

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Growing up as a Formula One fan, I was always vaguely aware that there was a sport called NASCAR. But when I actually got to know more about it, it didn't take me long to get hooked. My closest encounter with NASCAR was back in 2009 when my family took a picture of me next to one of Dale Earnhardt Jr?s cars.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta