Behind the Wheel: Cody Ware's Road Course Tire Test Adventure
Preparing for a race at Daytona involves more than just driving in circles. Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing, took advantage of a unique opportunity to participate in a Goodyear tire test at a road course in South Carolina. The test involved running over 100 laps on a 2.279-mile, 14-turn circuit to help develop tire compounds for future use.
The day started early with a 6 a.m. departure from the team's shop in Concord, North Carolina, and by 9:30 a.m., they were already on the track at Carolina Motorsports Park. Throughout the day, they tested different tire compounds, completing eight sets of tires before heading back to the shop by 6 p.m. Despite the intense schedule, they managed to squeeze in a quick lunch break with some Arby's roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
For Cody Ware, being behind the wheel of a racecar is the ultimate experience, even on a day like Tuesday when there's no crowd or TV coverage. The thrill of going fast and pushing the limits is what drives him, whether it's on a road course in South Carolina or the high banks of Daytona. With 25 races already under his belt this year, including non-points events like the Clash at Bowman Gray and the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, Ware feels confident in his race shape and is ready for the challenges ahead.
The NASCAR Cup Series schedule is grueling, spanning ten months from February to November. With the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on the horizon, Ware and his team are focused on getting a good result in Daytona. However, they are also looking ahead to the remaining 10 races of the season, including another road course event at the Charlotte Roval. Every race is important, and they are determined to make the most of each opportunity, leaving nothing on the table.
From early morning departures to tire-testing sessions on a road course, Cody Ware and his team are fully committed to their racing program. The dedication and hard work put in during the tire test in South Carolina will pay off not only in Daytona but also in the races to come. As they continue to push themselves to the limit, they are focused on maximizing their performance and achieving success on the track.