Another NASCAR driver set to make IndyCar debut

Full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver Cody Ware is set to make his IndyCar debut this Sunday afternoon at Road America in the REV Group Grand Prix.

Cody Ware is in his first season competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series behind the wheel of the #51 Chevrolet for the team owned by his father Rick. But this weekend, he is finally set to get the opportunity to compete in an IndyCar race.

Rick Ware formed a partnership with Dale Coyne Racing ahead of the 2021 season to field two entries: a full-time entry and a part-time entry.

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The full-time entry, the #51 Honda, is driven by Romain Grosjean in the road and street course races and Pietro Fittipaldi in the oval races. The part-time entry, the #52 Honda, has yet to make an appearance.

But that is set to change this weekend in the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America.

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Ware is set to pilot the Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)-sponsored #52 Honda in this 55-lap race around the 14-turn, 4.048-mile (6.515-kilometer) natural terrain road course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

The 25-year-old Greensboro, North Carolina native, who has quite a diverse racing background that goes well beyond his participation in NASCAR’s three national series, took part in multiple offseason IndyCar tests, and the goal was for him to compete in the 105th running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month. Unfortunately, a lack of sponsorship prevented that from happening.

Here is what the 2019/2020 LMP2 Asian Le Mans champion had to say about the opportunity to make his long-awaited IndyCar debut this weekend, according to a team release.

"“To be a part of an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is such an honor, and a surreal experience for me. I never would’ve thought that I would ever go down the open wheel route for a multitude of reasons. But thanks to RWR, Dale Coyne Racing, and Biohaven / Nurtec ODT I am getting an opportunity to compete at the highest level of open wheel motorsport in the US. Road America is an ideal place to make my debut and I am so excited to learn and soak it all in. Having two great teammates such as Romain Grosjean and Ed Jones will help take some of the edge off the learning curve if only a little.”"

Here is what Rick Ware had to add.

"“What started as a 3-4 race sponsorship to roll out a marketing program for BioHaven and Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, turned into a full-season sponsorship commitment with the No. 51 Honda. Thanks to their continued partnership, we’re excited to add a few races for the No. 52 entry, starting with Road America this weekend.”"

Cody is set to become the second NASCAR driver to make his IndyCar debut this season. Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson competes behind the wheel of the #48 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing in the road and street course races after spending 19 seasons driving the #48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the Cup Series.

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Be sure to tune in to NBC Sports Network at 12:00 p.m. ET this Sunday, June 20 for the live broadcast of the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America.