Carson Ware’s return to NASCAR is about more than racing.
When the Rick Ware Racing driver takes the green flag in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ HyVee Perks 250 at Iowa Speedway on Aug. 8, he’ll do so carrying the message of YSS’s statewide opioid prevention campaign, “Before it Becomes More: Strengthening Iowans Against Opioids.” The partnership aims to use motorsports’ broad reach to spark conversations about addiction, prevention and recovery.
What makes the campaign unique is Ware’s personal connection to the issue. The son of NASCAR team owner Rick Ware, Carson Ware openly acknowledges that addiction impacted his life despite having access to opportunities, support systems and resources. After surviving an overdose and entering recovery, Ware is now using his racing platform to encourage others to seek help before substance misuse escalates into addiction.
“Recovery gave me a second chance,” Ware said. “Addiction did not care who my family was, what resources were available to me or what opportunities I had.”
As part of the partnership, Ware plans to visit YSS’s Ember Recovery facility before race weekend to speak directly with young people about substance use, peer pressure, warning signs and the challenges of rebuilding life after addiction. The focus will be on honest conversations and helping youth understand that asking for help early can change the course of their future.
YSS launched the “Before it Becomes More” initiative to provide prevention education, risk-awareness tools and community resources designed to help Iowans recognize potential problems before they become crises. The organization is also promoting a traveling interactive exhibit that teaches participants about substance misuse warning signs, risk factors and prevention strategies.
“This partnership is about giving Iowa communities a powerful opportunity to learn, connect and take action,” said Aaron Blass, chief growth officer at YSS.
The campaign will be featured prominently on Ware’s No. 47 Chevrolet throughout Iowa Speedway race weekend and supported through social media, community outreach and storytelling centered around recovery and prevention. YSS leaders hope the initiative helps reduce stigma while reminding families and communities that support and treatment resources are available before addiction takes hold.
For Ware, the effort represents an opportunity to transform one of the darkest chapters of his life into a tool that could help others avoid the same path.