MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Rick Ware Racing will broaden its motorsports portfolio yet again in 2027, announcing plans to field a full-time, two-car effort in the NASCAR Canada Series.
The move makes Rick Ware Racing a regular competitor in Canada’s premier stock car series and adds another discipline to an organization already active across NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA and sports car racing.
Leading the new program will be one of the most accomplished drivers in series history. Two-time NASCAR Canada Series champion D.J. Kennington has signed to drive the No. 51 Chevrolet, bringing decades of experience and one of the sport’s most recognizable partnerships with him.
Known as the series’ “Iron Man,” Kennington is the only driver to compete in every NASCAR Canada Series race. Entering the 2026 season finale, the Ontario native has amassed 25 victories, 126 top-five finishes, 202 top-10s and two championships.
“I’ve always been more interested in what’s next, and this opportunity with Rick Ware Racing is something I’m really looking forward to,” Kennington said. “To do it with Castrol and Wakefield Canada makes it even more special.”
Castrol and Wakefield Canada will continue backing Kennington through the 2029 season, extending a sponsorship relationship that began when he was just 16 years old and will span an impressive 35 years.
The expansion also marks a return to the NASCAR Canada Series for Rick Ware Racing. The organization previously competed in the championship in 2021 with drivers Andrew Ranger and Alex Guenette, capturing two victories and narrowly missing the title with a runner-up finish in the standings.
“We’ve wanted to get back to the NASCAR Canada Series, but it needed to be the right opportunity,” team owner Rick Ware said. “D.J. gives us a proven winner who knows this series inside and out.”
The team’s second entry, the No. 15 Chevrolet, will be announced at a later date.