Barrett Cope Racing (BCR) will make its NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway with driver Carson Ware in the United Rentals 300 on February 14. BCR is a newly formed team as the result of a partnership between Stanton Barrett Motorsports and Cope Family Racing.
With 17 O’Reilly Series career starts under his belt, Ware will be piloting the #30 for BCR starting at Daytona and running a limited schedule throughout the season.
“Daytona is a special place for this team,” Ware said. “I love hearing the story about Derrike Cope winning here with a relatively unknown team and driver at the time. His story embodies what this place is. The track every racecar driver wants an opportunity to drive is Daytona and this race weekend is as big as it gets! I know what a privilege this is and I plan on learning as much as I can to deliver a strong performance for BCR, who have put their trust in me.”
Ware has shown impressive debuts in every series he has been given opportunities in. Among his early success, he won his first-ever Tour Type Modified start at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Since that 2019 victory, Ware has run a collection of races across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, while also campaigning Late Models. Ware played a key role in securing the 2025 zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model Owner’s Championship for Rick Ware Racing (RWR), winning May 3rd at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, North Carolina.
“I feel I haven’t been able to really showcase what I can do in the O’Reilly Series in the past,” Ware said. “So the opportunity to gain more seat time with this team (BCR) and equipment is a gift I do not take lightly! Competing on the biggest stage in stock car racing is a huge milestone for my career and I am ready for the challenge.”
BCR co-owners and veteran NASCAR drivers Stanton Barrett and Derrike Cope have watched Ware mature both on and off the track.
“I’ve known Carson his whole life and watched his career,” Barrett said. “I’m honored to be able to facilitate in his career in the O’Reilly Series and make it more consistent. “I believe he has real talent and we’re looking forward to providing the team to cultivate his success.”
With Cope’s last start at a Daytona 500 in 2021, his driving career has spanned over five decades.
“It’s what you live for,” Cope said. “It’s what every driver across every series wants—a ride at Daytona in February. Driving through that tunnel is all emotion, a dream realized. Every driver wants it but only a few can secure it. It’s Carson’s time.”
The United Rentals 300 goes green at 5 p.m. EST on Saturday February 14, 2026, with live coverage provided by The CW and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
— Barrett-Cope Racing —