The #51 Ford, owned by Rick Ware Racing (RWR), is currently the only full-time seat left open in the NASCAR Cup Series. With several drivers still seeking rides for the 2025 season, it will be intriguing to see who RWR decides to hire.
Several drivers come to mind who could potentially fill this vacant spot. Below, we examine some of the top candidates for the #51 RWR seat in 2025.
Cody Ware
Although Cody Ware may not have the results to justify his place in the conversation, it’s difficult to ignore him as a candidate for the #51 car in 2025. For one, Cody is the son of team owner Rick Ware. If RWR struggles to secure a driver in time for the season, Cody would be a logical fallback option to take the seat.
In terms of performance, it might not be the most promising choice. With 106 career starts, Ware has only achieved one top 10 finish and has an average finish of 29.7. Given his lack of success, bringing Ware back full-time in 2025 may not be the ideal strategy for RWR’s growth. Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that Cody could be returning to the #51 car for the 2025 season.
Josh Bilicki
Similar to Cody Ware, Josh Bilicki’s Cup Series record isn’t stellar, but his prior experience with Rick Ware Racing could make him a viable candidate for the #51 seat in 2025. Bilicki raced in the Cup Series with RWR in 2020 and 2021.
Though Bilicki has only posted one top-10 finish in 101 Cup Series races, his familiarity with the team could give him an edge. Having driven for RWR before, he knows the team’s dynamics and what to expect when racing for them. As the season nears, RWR is in urgent need of a driver, and if they prefer someone who understands the team, Bilicki could be the right choice for 2025.
Ryan Newman
While it might seem unlikely, don’t rule out the possibility of Ryan Newman making a return to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition behind the wheel of the #51 RWR car. The 18-time Cup Series winner drove for the team on a part-time basis in 2023, making eight appearances with his best finish being 26th at Homestead.
Newman competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2002-2021, enjoying significant success, including a victory in the 2008 Daytona 500. Though the Indiana native has had a long and successful career, he never officially announced his retirement after stepping away from full-time racing in 2021.
If RWR is looking for a seasoned veteran, Newman could be a surprise choice to drive the #51 car in 2025.
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