Having won the summer race at Daytona last year, Harrison Burton was eligible for the All Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. However, having lost that ride and having to accept a return to the Xfinity Series this season, he didn’t have a ride.
Enter Rick Ware Racing.
RWR has made the decision to put Burton in the No. 51 car since it means automatically having a starting spot. The regular driver of the No. 51, Cody Ware, will subsequently move to the No. 15 and will try to race his way in that way instead.
This also means Rick Ware Racing will start the All-Star Race for the first time ever.
“The All-Star Race is one of those events you grow up dreaming about, so to have a spot on the grid is really special,” Burton said. “Winning at Daytona last year was a huge moment in my career, and I’m thankful to Rick and the entire RWR team for giving me the opportunity to make that win count by putting me in their car for the All-Star Race. We’ve been building some great momentum in the Xfinity Series, and I’m looking forward to carrying that into North Wilkesboro and competing against the best in the sport.”
The All Star Race main event is an invitational open to race winners from the 2024 and 2025 seasons, previous All-Star Race winners that race full-time and previous Cup Series champions that race full-time. Everyone else will need to race for two spots in the All Star Open or to make it through a fan vote.
Cody Ware says he was more than willing to relinquish his usual ride for Burton.
“I’m proud to be a part of RWR and this is another reason why,” Cody Ware said. “Any opportunity at the Cup level is huge. To earn a spot in the All-Star Race and then not be able to actually compete – that’d be a tough pill to swallow. It’s great to see this organization be the one that puts Harrison in the All-Star Race. He earned his shot with his win at Daytona. It’s added incentive for me to race hard in the Open and join him in the All-Star Race.”
