This year’s Cup Series season is crucial for NASCAR as it reunited with its decades-old origin legacy. As Winston-Salem once again got to celebrate a festival, witnessing the event live was another dream come true. Bowman Gray was packed with fans camping overnight to witness the race. The year opened new opportunities for the drivers, both new and experienced. But, a man who had waited long enough to give up on his dreams of Cup Series Debut finally got his retribution. 

Recently, Kelly Crandall shared a video on his X account where Rick Ware said something inspiring. He spoke of giving Tim Brown a chance to run at the Clash. Clearly, Brown is a veteran, highly experienced, and familiar with Bowman Gray’s short track. But, with so many young talents on the horizon, why does Ware root for this 53-year-old man?

Rick Ware’s positive gesture for the deserved debutant

Tim Brown, a Virginia native, is way more than just a driver for the Rick Ware Racing team. His work at RWR caters to the role of suspension and drivetrain specialist too. That somewhere also gave him a rooted understanding of the stock cars. Many fans felt Rick Ware gave this opportunity from a marketing viewpoint. But, Rick sees it in a very different way. More than money, it’s about supporting a good friend.

“Well, I think it from a marketing standpoint it worked out really well and sometimes that’s what you have to do in this business and race team. But, I can promise you it started with doing something really cool for a really good friend. The byproduct is that it has garnered a whole lot of attention. And, the reason being that he is outstanding of an individual,” Ware said. It’s about dreams and the rejuvenation of an old friend’s dream.

Brown aspired to drive in the NASCAR Cup Series. But, it was never fulfilled because of an upset financial situation. Business houses at the time actively signed young drivers, but no sponsors emerged for this experienced man. However, the Clash’s new location has turned the tides in his favor. “I teared up when I saw the (media) release. I have sacrificed my whole life to racing. I gave up on being a Cup Series driver some 15-20 years ago.” Said Brown. The revival of his dreams is a phoenix’s tale waiting to unfold.

Rick Ware reflects an understanding and confidence for Brown. Before a few days, he exposed the dark side of NASCAR competitions. When asked about his expectations from the run and what he sees ahead, he satisfyingly said, “If we could put together something and maybe run the second Martinsville later on in the year, and, that’s what racers do. Right? We’re addicts, and we’re trying to find a way to go do something cool.” Team RWR is ready to take on the racing world by surprise with their cup series entrant. But Rick Ware plans to do this not just for his team, but for a greater cause.

He further explained, “What I want him (Brown) to get out of it is, you know, obviously, as a former driver that didn’t make it, obviously, and‌ as team owner now, I understand what it’s like to go do something that you dreamed about doing.” Supporting the dreams of people who are like family to you surely yields results and Ware believes in it. And, this is a mutually shared feeling.

Brown, talking about this monumental event in his career said, “I couldn’t have done this without their (RWR team’s) support, tolerating my effort and dedication, and we’re all going to get to make a Cup start together. I just want to be respectable.” Well, it’s about time that people experience the Bowman Gray Maestro’s racing on his home turf. But, wait a minute… that phrase does ring a bell, right?

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The Bowman Gray’s ‘Winningest’ Maestro 

Tim Brown has a series of great records at the Madhouse. He is the winningest driver of the stadium with 101 modified race wins along with 12 Tour-Type Modified Championships. The man has a record 146 pole positions and a brilliant record with 12.965 seconds in April 2016! Well, that’s why he is the maestro of this track.

Apart from the track of his choice, Brown had explored the Camping World Truck Series and piloted the No.8 Chevrolet for SS-Green Light Racing in 2009 at Martinsville Speedway where he finished 27th. With all this expertise, one could only ensure safety, not guarantee it. Last year was a bit straining for Tim Brown.

At the 2024 Ortega Twins 50s, a regular season modified race at Madhouse hosted in August 2024, he suffered from a broken hand due to a crash caused because of Brandon Butner’s car getting immobilized mid-turn turn. The cars got piled up at the narrow quarter-mile track. However, Brown’s performance at the 2025 Cookout Clash was exceptionally well-received. He was also seen dyno-testing his ride before the event.

In Heat Race 3, Tim Brown started at position 9th, piloting the No.15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RWR, and finished at the 10th position. That might not be great but, it’s mind-blowing for a debutant! However, Brown still has a last chance to bag the spot in the final race by securing the first or second position. It might seem a bit difficult as he starts at the 19th position. But, at this point, what really matters most is to let the environment seep in and to enjoy the Cup Series racing. Tim Brown is now one of the oldest drivers after Andy Pilgrim in 2011  to make a debut in the Cup Series.

Going ahead, although Rick Ware gave the Cup Series ticket to his deserving driver for the special event, Rick Ware Racing will still hold its other drivers responsible for strong performance. Besides their special event star debutant, RWR team’s part-time driver Corey LaJoie, also beginning his new career this year as an Amazon Prime NASCAR Broadcast Analyst alongside Dale Jr. Rick’s son, Cody Ware, is also making his full-time debut in the Cup Series this season. It is the dawn of many new mornings for RWR.