Rick Ware Racing signs Justin Haley to multi-year Cup Series deal starting in 2024
One of the first big moves of the Silly Season just happened as Rick Ware Racing announces they have reached a deal with Justin Haley. This is a major move that takes Haley from Kaulig Racing and Chevy over to RWR and Ford next NASCAR season. It also opens up the door for other moves in the Cup Series.
Justin Haley is seen as one of the bright young stars of NASCAR. He was P2 at the Chicago Street Race. Of course, everyone thinks back to his rain-shortened victory at Daytona in 2019 in just his third start.
This season, Haley has put himself in 21st place in the standings. Since 2022, Haley has had four top-5 finishes and five additional finishes in the top-10.
Rick Ware Racing has been fielding part-time drivers this season in both of their cars. Ever since Cody Ware got into legal trouble earlier in the season. Now it appears they have filled that hole with Haley starting next season.
Corey LaJoie was the first driver, at least this late in the season, to solidify his future. He is staying with Spire Motorsports. Now we have an instance where Justin Haley is closing out his deal with Kaulig and moving on to Rick Ware Racing for 2024.
So, does this mean Kaulig is going to look for another driver? They have a couple of guys in the Xfinity Series that would love to move up and give it a try in the Cup Series. Chandler Smith and Daniel Hemric have shown promise, although Smith is very young still.
It will be interesting to see what other kinds of announcements Rick Ware Racing might have. This Justin Haley deal feels like it could be just the beginning.
What does Justin Haley’s deal mean for rest of Silly Season?
NASCAR free agency is called Silly Season for a reason. It doesn’t make sense, you never know what is going to happen, and even in years without much going on – it usually provides some drama. The Justin Haley move is going to open doors for other moves to be made.
Let’s not forget you have Martin Truex Jr. talking about retirement. After his heartbreak wreck from the lead due to a loose wheel, Aric Almirola might be counting the days to Phoenix. Those are two big potential openings that could go to existing Cup guys or current Xfinity Series drivers.
Rick Ware Racing has not done a whole lot in the last few years. It has mostly been a two-car program without much consistency. Not just in results, but in the literal driver’s seat. Cody Ware ran a full-time season in 2022, but JJ Yeley did jump in for the Roval. Maybe consistency can bring partners, sponsors, and more success.
Will the other car be a mish-mash of drivers like before? Will RWR sign a second driver to be there week in and out with Justin Haley? Only time will tell. This will only create more opportunities for Silly Season to get even sillier.