For the first time since joining the ranks of the NASCAR Cup Series in 2012, Rick Ware Racing is set to have an entry in the NASCAR All-Star Race.
Harrison Burton will partner with the organization to compete in Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, piloting the team’s flagship No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the 250-lap main event.
The 24-year-old driver is one of 20 pilots eligible for the NASCAR All-Star Race, courtesy of his victory in last Summer’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, his first and only victory at NASCAR’s top level.
Morton Buildings, a long-time supporter of Burton’s efforts in NASCAR’s National Series, will serve as the primary marketing partner for the No. 51 Ford Mustang in this weekend’s exhibition event. Cody Ware, the full-time driver of the entry, will be moved to the No. 15 for this weekend only.
“Being a part of the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time is a milestone moment for our organization,” said Rick Ware, owner of Rick Ware Racing. “It’s an honor to have a place in the main event, and we’re just as proud to provide Harrison the opportunity to compete in the All-Star Race. He definitely earned his spot, and he deserves to be here. It’s a big opportunity for both of us.”
After spending the last three seasons competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Wood Brothers Racing, which included a victory at Daytona International Speedway last Summer, Burton moved back down to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he’s been tasked with building AM Racing’s program.
Throughout the first 12 events of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign, Burton has recorded a single top-five finish, as well as six finishes inside the top-10 while driving the No. 25 Ford Mustang, leaving him inside the top-10 in points.
“The All-Star Race is one of those events you grow up dreaming about, so to have a spot on the grid is really special,” Burton said. “Winning at Daytona last year was a huge moment in my career, and I’m thankful to Rick [Ware] and the entire [Rick Ware Racing] team for giving me the opportunity to make that win count by putting me in their car for the All-Star Race. We’ve been building some great momentum in the Xfinity Series, and I’m looking forward to carrying that into North Wilkesboro and competing against the best in the sport.”
Jumping behind the wheel of the No. 15 Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Cody Ware will look to put both Rick Ware Racing entries into the NASCAR All-Star Race, courtesy of a transfer spot. Ware’s best finish in the Open is ninth, earned in 2022 when the All-Star Race was held at Texas Motor Speedway.
“I’m proud to be a part of Rick Ware Racing and this is another reason why,” said Cody Ware. “Any opportunity at the Cup level is huge. To earn a spot in the All-Star Race and then not be able to actually compete – that’d be a tough pill to swallow. It’s great to see this organization be the one that puts Harrison in the All-Star Race. He earned his spot with his win at Daytona. It’s added incentive for me to race hard in the Open and join him in the All-Star Race.”
Both the NASCAR All-Star Open and All-Star Race will take place on Sunday, May 18. The 100-lap Open begins at 5:30 PM ET, and the 250-lap All-Star Race will begin at 8:00 PM ET. Three drivers from the NASCAR All-Star Open (the top two spots and the winner of the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote) will advance into the NASCAR All-Star Race.
