Joey Hand – 2017 Rolex 24 Winner and ALMS GT Champion — will return to the NASCAR Cup Series with Rick Ware Racing in 2022, driving the No. 15 Ford Mustang in all six of the series’ road course events.
The Sacramento, California-native made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL in 2021, recording a lead-lap finish in 27th driving the No. 52 for Rick Ware Racing.
“I am thrilled to have Joey Hand back with the RWR family for 2022,” commented team owner Rick Ware. “Joey did a great job for us this past year at the ROVAL, and I can’t wait to see what he will do this year with the Next Gen cars and our Ford partnership.”
Hand is scheduled to drive the No. 15 Ford Mustang at Circuit of The Americas (March 27), Sonoma Raceway (June 12), Road America (July 3), Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Road Course (July 31), Watkins Glen International (August 21), and Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL (October 9).
“First off, I just want to thank Ford Performance and Rick Ware Racing for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to race in NASCAR,” said Joey Hand.”It has always been high on my list, and I had a ton of fun last year. Throughout the race weekend and the subsequent Next Gen test session, Rick and I developed a great relationship. With the introduction of the Next Gen car, I feel it levels the playing field and we have a legitimate chance of running upfront. With support from Ford Performance and Stewart-Haas Racing, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be competitive at road courses. I feel I am already comfortable with the Next Gen car because of many similarities to the GT cars I have driven in the past.”
Additional announcements regarding the sponsorship of Joey Hand’s effort will be announced at a later date.
“Joey has been a key resource for our NASCAR drivers the past couple of years as far as helping them with their road course skills, so seeing him get this opportunity with RWR is only going to make our program better,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “We all have great faith in Joey’s ability and even though he has only one NASCAR start to his credit, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him in victory lane this year.”
