[autotag]Justin Haley[/autotag] joined [autotag]Rick Ware Racing[/autotag] for the 2024 NASCAR season, and it was a big gamble. Rick Ware Racing hadn’t accomplished much in the NASCAR Cup Series before Haley’s arrival; however, this year has been one of the team’s best yet. The driver of the No. 51 has two top-9 finishes and a 23.5 average finishing position through 17 races.
Amid rumors that other teams could be interested in Haley’s services, he cleared the air on Tuesday with reporters. Haley discussed his situation with Rick Ware Racing and committed to what team owner Rick Ware wants from him.
“Looking back a year ago, Rick Ware and Lisa Ware, they gave me an opportunity when I was high and dry and didn’t have an opportunity left in the [NASCAR Cup Series],” Haley said. “I trusted them, they trusted me, and I kind of gambled my whole career and life, and everything I have done up to that point to trust Rick and his process and see him through.”
Checkered flag and a 13th place finish for @Justin_Haley_ and the No. 51 team at @iowaspeedway.
Tough day for @KazGrala but we’re improving each week. pic.twitter.com/UupfV9pv01
— Rick Ware Racing (@RickWareRacing) June 17, 2024
“We’re fully committed. I think we’re running too good right now to, you know, really veer too far off the path of anything…without Rick, I wouldn’t even be in the Cup Series right now…Whatever Rick wants my future to be, you know, if [he wants] me to stay for five to 10 years, I’ll stay for five to 10 years, just because he gave me the opportunity when no one else would…I kind of owe everything to him.”
Haley has been very impressive, and Rick Ware Racing likely wouldn’t blame him for taking a ride in elite Cup Series equipment. However, Haley seems committed to building Rick Ware Racing into a team that runs well weekly. The loyalty between the two sides is essential, as Haley’s relationship with Rick Ware Racing could be just beginning.
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