What’s Happening?

Rick Ware Racing is slowly but surely improving as the 2024 season rolls on. They have one full-time driver locked down for 2025, Justin Haley, but that second car is uncertain. Who could drive for Rick Ware Racing next in 2025?

• Rick Ware Racing has been little more than a backmarker throughout its’ early years in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, they’ve improved thanks to bringing in better drivers and an alliance with RFK Racing.
• The second car for 2024 is an All-Star Car with Kaz Grala as the anchor driver. This means RWR has the option to hire a second driver or return to the All-Star Car.
• Fans are curious about what RWR can do in 2025. They’ve improved this year, so, why can’t they get even better?

Kaz Grala

Kaz Grala currently drives the No. 15 car as the anchor driver for Rick Ware Racing. He has a 25-race schedule and has done a solid job with the limited opportunities. He has three top-20 finishes in 10 starts for RWR this season.

The question with Grala is largely funding. Can he bring in enough money to race full-time in 2025? He has done enough to earn at least a look, but, he needs to find the money too.

Ryan Preece

With SHR’s future uncertain, Ryan Preece is the driver most on the outs. He made headlines a couple of weeks ago for being left out of an SHR “Study Group”, and he’s the lowest current SHR driver in the standings. If he does leave, the options will be limited given he has no wins in his career.

However, RWR is a Ford team that could be looking for another driver. Preece could slot nicely into that spot, but, like Grala, funding may be an issue for Preece.

Josh Berry

Josh Berry is coming off the best finish of his 2024 season at Darlington, 3rd. However, SHR might not have room for him should they sell their charters. In that instance, Berry could be a hot commodity.

If Berry leaves SHR, there could be other rides available, particularly Front Row Motorsports, a Tier One Ford team. Would RWR be the best landing spot for Berry?

Harrison Burton

Harrison Burton leaving The Wood Brothers would come as no surprise to anyone. He’s failed to show any improvement in his 3 Cup Series seasons. If he does leave, RWR could be one of his very slim options.

However, Burton might also attract attention from lower series teams. If he does, he could have opportunities to compete for wins, which might be more favorable than racing mid-to-back of the pack for RWR.

Riley Herbst

Riley Herbst has been a consistent presence in the Xfinity Series for a few years. However, he has done a solid job in his limited Cup Series starts, including a top-10 for RWR in the 2023 Daytona 500.

However, Herbst is far from a spectacular driver. he might get some solid results, but, does he elevate the team? That’s far from a guarantee.

RWR will be a team to watch this off-season. If they ditch the All-Star Car, they could bring in any of these drivers.