THOMASVILLE, NC -- Winston West Series Rookie-of-the-Year contender, Rick Ware returns to Phoenix International Raceway after a twelve-year absence. In 1987 Ware finished 6th in the annual NASCAR Skoal Copper Classic, an open competition stock car division at the time.

Ware, owner and driver of the #51 Pontiac is looking forward to changing his luck at PIR after a 22nd place finish at Las Vegas. "We worked to hard leading up to the Vegas race to have that kind of finish." Ware said. We finished 28th in Tucson after a rear gear broke. It's part of racing, I know, but so is luck and we haven't had much!" Ware commented with a half smile.

"I really like flat tracks." Crew chief, Phil Nixon said. "They challenge the set-up of the car and the ability of the rivers. I grew up with banked ovals--that's one reason why I think flat tracks are where it's at. I like the Winston West Series for it's flat track venues." Nixon explained. Nixon's last visit at PIR was in 1984.

Ware racing enters the Napa Auto Parts 100 at PIR without a primary sponsor. The team is seeking a major marketing partner to support the 1999 campaign. The team has had some race-to-race sponsorship funding in Tucson and Las Vegas. Dyson Oil, Inc., Producers of synergyn brand products have signed on as an associate sponsor for the balance of the season. Synergyn is a proprietary blended product that reduces friction and reinforces the additive systems of any lubricants. Synergyn is used in gas or diesel engines, automatic transmissions, gear boxes and hydraulic systems. Dyson oil is based in Durant, Oklahoma. The team will be on the road from march 22 to the 29th for test sessions at two tracks on the schedule. "Based in North Carolina, we have to take advantage of every trip to the West Coast." Ware said. "We're going to Pikes Peak before we go to Phoenix. After Phoenix, we go straight to Fontana. A lot of miles, but well worth the time. We have never been to these tracks and it's important that we get all the track time we can get!" Ware commented.

Ware looks to improve his championship and rookie position in points at Phoenix. He is currently 4th in rookie points out of 20 eligible contenders. He moved up 5 positions after the Vegas race. He is 23rd in championship points.

Source: Ware Racing Enterprises
Posted: 3/20/99