Cody Shane Ware Readies NASCAR Mexico Series Debut

Teenager racing sensation Cody Ware will write his name into the records books this weekend by becoming just the sixth American to compete in a NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series event Sunday.

Ware, the son of long-time NASCAR owner and former driver Rick Ware will compete in Sunday’s season-finale at Autodromo Miguel E. Abed, driving for Fenix Racing. Ware will serve as a teammate to fellow friend and racer Enrique Contreras III.

Ware, 18, will pilot the No. 71 Motul / Circle K Toyota Camry for his inaugural debut across the border. In addition to Motul and Circle K, CMS Racing Products and Lilly Trucking joins the team this weekend as an associate marketing partner in the 15th race of the season.

“I’m incredibly humbled and thankful for this opportunity to drive for Fenix Racing this weekend at Autodromo Miguel E. Abed,” said Ware, the second American to compete on the tour in 2014. “I’m not really sure what to expect. It’s going to be a different experience for sure, but I just have to embrace what’s in front of me and give 110 percent.”

This season, the third-generation driver has been competing in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Series, where he has earned two wins in his Lamborghini Super Trofeo class and placing third overall at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International twice. He additionally made select starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series respectively.

Autodromo Miguel E. Abed is a 1.25-mile (2 kilometer) oval, and while Ware has never seen the facility, he’s hoping he can adjust quickly.

“I like ovals,” Ware joked. “You can’t think about where you’re at. You have to fight the race track and be able to adjust to your surroundings. Without question, there’s going to be a lot of learning, but I plan to find my comfort zone. From there, I should be able to have a great race in our No. 71 Motul / Circle K Toyota Camry.”

When asked if Sunday’s race will potentially open the door to do more racing in the NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series, Ware was quick to respond.

“I’m a racer, he said. “I love to race. It’s what I do. Whether it’s in the United States, Mexico or Canada, I just want to race. This in an incredible opportunity for me at my stage of my career, but I need to make the best of it. There’s a lot of people who took chances on me to make this possible and I don’t want to let them down. I’m very confident that I’ll be back for some racing in the NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series in 2015.”

Unfamiliar with surroundings, Ware said he’ll lean on colleague and close friend Enrique Contreras III for advice throughout the weekend.

“Enrique came to me with a lot of questions when he ran Martinsville a couple weeks ago, so I’d like to think I’m returning the favor,” Ware sounded. “I’m sure to have a lot of questions, but I’m glad to have someone like Enrique on my side, because without a doubt, I know he’ll make me feel at home.”

The running of the Ficrea 240 is set for Sunday, November 9 from Autodromo Miguel E. Abed. The event will be televised and streamed online on FOX Sports 3. The green flag is scheduled to fly at 2:40 p.m. Eastern.

Rick Ware Racing PR