7 Days to Daytona: #15 Rick Ware Racing

One more week. That is all that is left from now until Daytona 500 qualifying. 7 Days to Daytona until the NASCAR Cup Series officially kicks off their 2024 season. With the season about to kick off, one organization to watch this year is Rick Ware Racing. While they are the back markers of the Cup Series, the team is making strides to perform better. For the #15 Rick Ware Racing entry, a multi-driver lineup is on tap that has youth behind the wheel.

#15 Rick Ware Racing

Drivers: Kaz Grala, Riley Herbst, and TBD

Crew Chief: Billy Plourde

Sponsors: N29 Capital Partners, Fire Department Coffee, Ruedebusch, Monster Energy

2024 Season Preview

The Right Direction

Rick Ware Racing has been the bringing up the rear for their entire Cup Series existence. After the 2023 season, NASCAR could have confiscated the charter for the 51 car. However, NASCAR held off on the decision due to the efforts the organization has been making to better their teams. For the 15 car, Rick Ware will once again be deploying a multi-driver lineup. However, it is one that has young drivers that could mold into Cup regulars. Kaz Grala will be the anchor driver for the team, running in 25 events. Riley Herbst will again drive the 15 in the Daytona 500, along with other spot starts. The technical alliance with a revamped RFK Racing also should help boost the team forward.

Looming Cody Ware

Last year, Cody Ware was arrested for assault on a female. He was suspended by NASCAR and lost his fulltime ride in the 51 car. After charges were dropped in December, NASCAR reinstated Ware. While there has been no formal announcement yet, it is expected that Ware will return to drive the 15 car for select events. Although charges were dropped, some may feel wary about Ware returning to Cup Series action. It does not help that he has done little of note during his Cup Series career. Cody Ware has stepped back into competition already this year, competing in the Mazda Challenge during The Rolex week. It seem inevitable that Ware will drive the 15 this season.

RFK Alliance

At the end of 2022, RFK and RWR formed a technical alliance. RWR was switching away from Stewart-Haas Racing to go with Brad Keselowski’s team. At the time, it seemed a bit head scratching since SHR was the better team. After the 2023 season, the move seemed to be the correct way to go. Although RWR still squandered in the 30s, RFK Racing had a breakout year. Now, the alliance looks to be tighter heading into 2024. Rick Ware will share the RFK shop this season. With a tighter alliance, that could lead to better on track results.

Daytona 500 Chances

Days to Daytona: #15 Rick Ware Racing - Riley Herbst — Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Riley Herbst raced in both Daytona and Talladega Cup races last season. In the Daytona 500, Herbst picked up his first Cup Top-10 in Rick Ware’s 15 car. Despite being a rookie, Herbst proved to be a competent drafter. While he did get schooled at the end of Stage 1 during the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Herbst demonstrated that he is a driver that others can trust to push (and be pushed). The past three Daytona 500 winners have been surprises, why not Riley Herbst in 2024?

Speedweeks Outlook

In his lone Cup Daytona Speedweeks, Riley Herbst had a miserable week until the Daytona 500. He qualified poorly and then wrecked out of his duel race. For qualifying, nothing should be too different about his result. Rick Ware Racing still is toward the bottom in terms of pure speed. However, his Bluegreen Vacations Duel race should be a better effort. Unlike other rookie drivers, Herbst has plenty of NextGen experience on the superspeedways. He could be a dark horse candidate to finish Top-5. As for the Daytona 500, anything is possible. If Herbst can avoid the trouble, he could contend for a top spot.