(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)
By Aaron Bearden
Justin Haley will remain in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024, but he’ll do so with a new organization.
Rick Ware Racing announced Thursday that Haley, 24, will pilot one of its two Fords in a multi-year deal. The Hoosier will move over from Kaulig Racing and Chevrolet, where he’s currently in the midst of his second full-time season. Details including sponsorship and the car number will be revealed at a later date.
Haley is an eight-time winner across NASCAR’s three national series, including a shocking weather-shortened Cup win at Daytona International Speedway in 2019. All of his five wins in Cup and Xfinity Series competitions have come on superspeedways. He currently sits 21st in the Cup Series standings, with five top-10s and a best result of second on the streets of Chicago.
“This is a unique opportunity that I look forward to,” Haley said. “There are many key pieces of this program I believe can help me in taking the next steps in my NASCAR career.”
Kaulig Racing has been Haley’s home since 2019, the driver and team contesting three full seasons in Xfinity before they rose to Cup in 2022. Prior to his move up with Kaulig, Haley also made several Cup starts for Spire Motorsports, including the 2019 win.
The young star’s arrival at RWR is one of the first big drops of the 2023 NASCAR silly season. The long-term deal is indicative of the traditional back marker’s attempt to invest and improve its standing in the NASCAR ranks. RWR has improved its connection with Ford and formed a technical alliance with RFK Racing while bolstering its internal organization.
“This is a great day for our team on many levels,” team owner Rick Ware said. “Having someone with Justin’s talent and background become part of our future is a testament to our commitment to growth over the past few years.
“I have known Justin for a long time, respect all he has achieved in many forms of motorsports and look forward to great success together. His versatility as a driver in multiple series, the continuity we can build around Justin and the respect amongst his peers will pay great dividends for our team. He will be a great teammate for the RWR/RFK Racing alliance.”
Thursday’s news opens up a Cup ride at Kaulig Racing, which currently fields Haley and returning veteran AJ Allmendinger at the Cup level. The organization currently fields Chandler Smith and Daniel Hemric full-time in the Xfinity Series.
