St. Louis, MO
September 11th, 2026
Cody Ware heads back to World Wide Technology Raceway this weekend with momentum and purpose, returning to a track where he delivered one of his most composed and disciplined performances in recent seasons. In last year’s St. Louis event, Ware rolled off from 36th and quietly worked his way forward with patience, racecraft, and a car that came alive as the laps clicked by. He avoided the chaos that Gateway is known for, kept his nose clean through long green‑flag stretches, and executed a steady climb into the top 30. When the checkered flag fell, he crossed the line in 29th, completing all 240 laps and delivering a full‑distance run that showcased the consistency his team has been building toward.
RWR Photo
Earlier this week, Christian Athlete Co’s Ricky Bumgardner Jr. caught up with Cody before he headed out for St. Louis, and you could tell immediately that he seemed eager to get to the track. There was a calm confidence in the way he carried himself — not just a racer ready for another weekend, but a man leaning heavily on his faith as he steps into the next challenge. Cody talked openly about how the Book of Romans has been speaking into his life lately, giving him grounding, clarity, and strength. You could hear it in his voice: he’s taking that faith with him to Gateway, and it’s shaping the way he approaches everything from preparation to race‑day pressure.
That mindset matters at Gateway. The track rewards discipline more than raw speed, and Ware proved last year that he can manage tire wear, navigate traffic, and stay in position to capitalize when others slip. It was a night that reflected growth — a driver settling into his rhythm, a team tightening execution, and a program showing it can fight through the grind of a demanding schedule.
RWR Photo
Now the 2026 St. Louis weekend arrives with a different tone. Ware returns not just to repeat last year’s steadiness, but to elevate it. Gateway is a track where experience pays off, and he brings that experience into a season where his team has shown improved qualifying speed, better balance on short tracks, and stronger adaptability during long runs. The focus this weekend is simple: build on last year’s full‑race execution and convert it into a deeper climb through the field.
St. Louis always delivers a physical race — heavy braking zones, tight corner exits, and a rhythm that punishes mistakes. Ware’s calm, faith‑anchored approach suits the place. If he can qualify mid‑pack, settle into the race early, and keep the car clean through the inevitable restarts, he has a real opportunity to turn last year’s 29th‑place finish into something more meaningful. The team has emphasized better short‑run speed and more stability on corner entry, two areas that matter enormously at Gateway, and the garage believes those gains will show up when it counts.
As the Cup Series rolls into St. Louis, Cody Ware arrives with confidence, experience, and a clear target: run the full distance again, fight forward, and deliver another step in the upward climb his program has been building. Last year proved he can manage the grind. This weekend is about proving he can move beyond it — with Romans guiding him, faith steadying him, and the track ahead waiting for the next chapter.
Fans can tune in and watch Cody Ware wheel the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 Chevrolet around the tight, technical corners of Gateway all weekend long. Coverage begins with practice and qualifying on Saturday, followed by the full race broadcast on Sunday across the national NASCAR TV partners. Whether you’re watching from home or cheering from the stands, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss as Cody brings his faith, focus, and determination back to St. Louis.
