3 best drivers Rick Ware Racing could sign for the 2025 NASCAR season feat. Cody Ware

The #51 Ford owned by Rick Ware Racing is the only full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride left open. With a number of drivers still searching for a ride in 2025, it'll be interesting to see who RWR picks up.

There are a few drivers who come to mind that could potentially fill the seat. Here, we'll take a look at some of the top candidates that could fill the seat of the #51 RWR machine in 2025.

Cody Ware

NASCAR: Toyota Owners 400 - Source: Imagn

While he may not have the results to back it up, it's hard to not include Cody Ware in the conversation to pilot the #51 car in 2025. For one, Cody is the son of the team's owner, Rick. If the team struggles to find a driver in time for the season, Cody would be the ideal guy to fall back on and fill the seat.

Performance-wise, it might not be the best option. In 106 career starts, Ware has posted only one top 10 and registered an average finish of 29.7. Ware has failed to perform, so RWR having him return to the car full-time in 2025 may not be the best option to continue growing the team. Despite that, there's no denying that Ware could be returning to full-time Cup Series action in the #51 car in 2025.

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Josh Bilicki

NASCAR Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship - Source: Imagn

Like Cody Ware, Josh Bilicki's NASCAR Cup Series resume isn't much to write home about, but his experience with Rick Ware Racing could land him a ride in the #51 car in 2025. Bilicki competed in the Cup Series with RWR in 2020 and 2021.

He might not have the results as Bilicki has posted only one top-10 in 101 Cup Series races. However, like Ware, Bilicki has experience with the organization and knows what to expect when behind the wheel at RWR. With the season fast approaching, RWR needs to find a driver. If they want someone who knows the team well, Bilicki could be the guy in 2025.

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Ryan Newman

NASCAR: NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Imagn

It might seem improbable, but don't count out the possibility of Ryan Newman returning to full-time competition in the NASCAR Cup Series 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 and finishing a best of 26th at Homestead.

Newman competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2002-2021 and found a litany of success, most notably winning the 2008 Daytona 500. The Indiana native has had a lengthy career, but the 47-year-old never announced retirement after stepping away from full-time competition after 2021.

If RWR wants an experienced veteran behind the wheel, look for Newman to play spoiler and get behind the wheel of the #51 machine in 2025.