In a surprising twist in NASCAR’s version of the free agency known as Silly Season, Rick Ware Racing announced Thursday that Justin Haley has signed on to drive for a Cup Series team full-time starting in 2024.
RWR signed Haley, 24, to a multi-year contract to drive one of two Fords. Haley’s assigned car number and additional sponsorship details will be announced at a later date.
“This is a unique opportunity that I am looking forward to,” Hayley said. “There are several key parts of this program that I believe can help me take the next steps in my NASCAR career.”
Haley is the winner in all three NASCAR National Series – Cup, Xfinity and Truck. His only Cup win occurred in July 2019 at Daytona, coming in only his third start. Since 2022 he has driven full-time for Kaulig Racing at Cup level as his contract is set to expire at the end of the current season. Haley ranks 21st in points, 46 points short of pause to earn playoff eligibility.
“This is a great day for our team on many levels,” said team owner Rick Weir. “Having someone with Justin’s talent and background become a part of our future is a testament to our commitment to growth over the past few years. I have known Justin personally for a long time, I respect everything he has achieved and I look forward to achieving great success together.”
The signing of Haley is a big step by RWR, which is considered a small team within NASCAR, as it continues to strive to grow into an ever-competitive team.
In years past, RWR signing young, upside-down talent was unusual for how the team previously operated largely. But as part of a three-year plan that began 18 months ago, Ware made the decision to invest heavily in the team to increase its overall competitiveness. Corresponding moves since then have included a behind-the-scenes organizational restructuring that has seen Robbie Benton appointed president and Tommy Baldwin director of competition, a closer association with Ford and entering into a technical alliance with RFK Racing.
“This is a great day for our team on many levels,” said Rick Weir. “Having someone with Justin’s talent and background become part of our future is 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 motorsport and look forward to achieving great success together. His versatility as a driver in multiple series, the continuity we can build around Justin and the respect among his peers will pay off big for our team. He will be a great teammate in the RWR/RFK Racing alliance.”
(Photo: Marvin Gentry/USA Today)
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