Overview
- RWR confirmed it will leave Ford for Chevrolet in 2026 with a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines, which reporting describes as multi-year.
- Cody Ware will drive the No. 51 Chevrolet in 2026, beginning with the preseason exhibition at Bowman-Gray Stadium on February 1.
- Forbes reports that T. J. Puchyr is now the team’s majority owner, with Rick Ware remaining a partner and growth to a multi-car operation cited as an ambition.
- A prior legal settlement keeps RWR’s second charter leased to Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing through 2027, limiting near-term expansion plans.
- With RWR’s move, Chevrolet is slated to field 17 full-time Cup entries in 2026 following other realignments including Haas Factory Team’s shift with Hendrick Motorsports.