Justin Haley looks forward to RFK, Rick Ware Racing alliance in 2024
While it looks like a move out of left field for Justin Haley, there is more to his Rick Ware Racing deal than meets the eye. A multi-year deal was announced between Haley and RWR on Thursday afternoon. The decision is likely to affect the rest of NASCAR free agency, also lovingly known as “Silly Season.”
Silly Season is off to a hot start with Justin Haley joining not just a new team, but a new manufacturer. Earlier this season we saw Stewart-Haas Racing and RWR make an alliance. That mostly came in the form of Jenson Button’s runs at COTA and Chicago. However, it appears that the relationship between RFK Racing and RWR is far more serious. RWR is located on the RFK campus.
Haley is making a big move and he has plenty of reasons to do it.
If there is a more focused effort on Haley and his team in 2024, Rick Ware Racing could make something of the season. Additional resources from RFK Racing could help move that process along.
Justin Haley explains why he’s moving to RWR
After the news went public, Justin Haley went on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to talk about his new deal. Kaulig Racing has invested a lot in Haley. However, they were almost ready to replace him with Kyle Busch after last season, if they were able.
Haley listed multiple reasons why he took the deal with Rick Ware.
“It’s definitely tough,” Haley said. “I think Rick, like I said, he’s put a lot into motorsports in general, but obviously for me as a driver right – they’re right here on RFK campus, Roush Fenway Keselowski, they have a great alliance, they’ve been building that. For me, to kind of have the resources that RFK brings with Rick Ware Racing and having that great partnership was huge for me. So, that made the decision a little bit more easy that obviously they have a new alliance with RFK and are able to utilize that, and obviously having Brad Keselowski as a mentor, a great guy for the sport, was huge for me too.
“It’s never an easy decision, obviously. I don’t want to sit here and say it was something that was super easy to make. Especially with how much Kaulig Racing and Matt Kaulig has done for me. It was a decision I pondered for months. At the end of the day, Rick Ware was very genuine to me, he was honest. Just really, really sincere and believes in me and as a young driver I can’t ask for anything more than a team owner that chases after me and wants me to drive his race car.”
Sitting 21st in the standings, Justin Haley will try to close out the season on a high note. He will likely need a surprise victory to make the playoffs in his final season with Kaulig Racing.