THOMASVILLE, NC -- Native Californian, Rick Ware returns to Southern California to race once again as he did back in the 80's. Ware recorded his first top-5 Finish in NASCAR at the Riverside International Raceway in 1983. From '83 to '88, ware competed in NASCAR, SCCA and IMSA events posting several top-5 and top-10 finishes at RIR, his hometown track. "Even though RIR is not around anymore, it still feels like coming home!" Ware commented. Ware currently 3rd in NWWS rookie points looks forward to racing at the California Speedway. "We tested here the Monday after the Phoenix race for Hoosier.

It felt good to get back on a big track again. This track will be a different experience for me. When I raced Daytona in 1990 the speeds were slower then, even with the banking. There's only so much you can do running flat out and working the draft. Here, you have a wide, fast track that allows a driver to run his race - draft, pass, Take a different line, whatever...and we have 700 h.p...unrestricted. I've always liked big Tracks and this is one of the biggest." Ware said.

Ware finished 16th in the Napa auto parts 100 at "Phoenix. Even though it was his best finish to date, he felt the handling problems that plagued him hindered a top-10 finish. "We know this team has the potential to do very well. It's a new team...we've only had 3 races and 1"rain out" together!" Ware said jokingly. " It's time to show our cards. The driver is ready..."Blackjack's" ready...we need to go, cat go!" (The car was named for its debut in the Las Vegas race last November).

Ware is seeking a primary sponsor. "TV coverage of the series is a key element," says Dan Bixler, director of marketing services for Ware Enterprises, the marketing division of the race team. "Coverage of this race and the Pikes Peak race is the marketing additive we need to boost series credibility and visibility. It's the only way we can attract corporate attention. The cost of competing in this series is high and it takes a healthy, committed sponsorship program to fund these teams. Rarely will we get substantial funding without national exposure." Bixler commented.

Ware Racing is one of the only NWWS teams based in the east. "We're committed to run the full 1999 schedule." Said Ware. "Teams can struggle with the cost of a Championship schedule, specially without sponsorship and if you tear stuff up. We have been fortunate that nothing major has happened yet. The rainout at Bakersfield put a big doughnut on our checkbook, I'll say that! "Four of us flew out the Friday before and the hauler traveled more than 5,000 miles round-trip. All we got from that trip was windburns and an envelope full of receipts. It's part of racing...it's just harder on teams with tighter budget restraints," said Ware.

Sportsman racing products will be the primary sponsor for the California 200. The company produces quality high-performance pistons and engine parts. SRP is a special line of products manufactured by JE Pistons, an official sponsor of NASCAR. Ware and crew will be staying in the Southern California area after the California 200. Ware and Hoosier will be testing at the Irwindale Speedway on Monday following race weekend in Fontana. For further information on the race team, please contact Dan Bixler or Rick Ware at e-mail address: wareracing@aol.com or 336-476-2999.

Source: Ware Enterprises
Posted: 4/24/99