RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - APRIL 02: Cody Ware, driver of the #51 Biohaven/Jacob Co. Ford, and Josh Berry, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on April 02, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - APRIL 02: Cody Ware, driver of the #51 Biohaven/Jacob Co. Ford, and Josh Berry, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on April 02, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Matt Crafton to replace Cody Ware at Bristol dirt race

Cody Ware will step away from racing this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway to focus on a personal matter. Matt Crafton will drive the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing. Crafton has more than 500 overall-starts in his NASCAR career, winning back-to-back NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championships in 2013 and 2014.

The Ware family asks that their privacy be respected during this time.

— Rick Ware Racing —