Cody Ware sits in a distant last place of the 36 full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers in the point standings heading into the non-points, exhibition All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
It pretty much goes without saying that he isn't locked into the All-Star Race. He is not a former series champion or a former All-Star Race winner, he did not win a last year, and he has not won a race this year, nor has he come close.
And unless most of the other drivers crash out of the All-Star Open, he really has no shot of locking himself in. He is also not a contender to win the Fan Vote.
Rick Ware Racing make extremely smart driver change
Rick Ware Racing still have Ware lined up to compete in the All-Star Open. But they have added a second car for him. Instead of driving the usual No. 51 Ford, Ware is set to drive the No. 15 Ford this weekend.
Harrison Burton, who competes full-time for AM Racing in the Xfinity Series, has been named the driver of the No. 51 Ford, and the decision locks Rick Ware Racing into the All-Star Race.
It's an extremely smart move for Rick Ware's team. Though Burton no longer competes full-time in the Cup Series, he is locked in since he won a race last year. He won at Daytona International Speedway in August.
Unlike former Cup Series champions and former All-Star Race winners, race winners from 2024 or 2025 are not required to be full-time Cup Series drivers to solidify their All-Star Race eligibility. It's why Kevin Harvick wasn't eligible to go beyond qualifying when he replaced Kyle Larson last year, even as a former champion and All-Star Race winner; he didn't win a race in 2023 or 2024.
Burton is the only winner from 2024 or 2025 who does not compete full-time in the Cup Series this season, so what Rick Ware Racing have done is effectively solidified themselves an All-Star Race appearance with a driver's signature.
Any team technically could have added an entry for Burton and given themselves another shot at the $1 million prize, but Rick Ware Racing actually got it done.
The All-Star Open and All-Star Race are set to be shown live on Fox Sports 1 from North Wilkesboro Speedway at 5:30 p.m. ET and 8:00 p.m. ET, respectively, this Sunday, May 18. Start a free trial of FuboTV now and don't miss any of the action!