Rick Ware Racing Expands Into NASCAR Canada Series With D.J. Kennington
Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is expanding its operations into the NASCAR Canada Series, entering a technical and strategic partnership with veteran driver D.J. Kennington and Castrol Edge Dodge team for the upcoming season. According to team announcements, the multi-car effort aims to combine RWR’s top-tier engineering resources with Kennington’s extensive short-track and road-course expertise north of the border.
The collaboration brings together a chartered NASCAR Cup Series organization and a two-time NASCAR Canada champion. Kennington, a stalwart of Canadian stock car racing, will continue to pilot his familiar number 17 Dodge while benefiting from RWR’s data-sharing networks and technical infrastructure. Team owner Rick Ware stated that the expansion reflects the organization’s broader strategy to grow its developmental pipeline and diversify its competitive footprint across North American motorsports series.
Technical Partnership Details and Schedule
Under the agreement, RWR engineers will collaborate directly with Kennington’s crew chief and mechanics to optimize chassis setups and aerodynamic packages. Castrol Edge will return as the primary sponsor for the program, maintaining a long-standing livery in the Canadian national division.
* Primary Entity: Rick Ware Racing (RWR)
* Key Driver: D.J. Kennington
* Series: NASCAR Canada Series
* Primary Sponsor: Castrol Edge
* Vehicle: Dodge #17
The NASCAR Canada Series schedule features a mix of high-speed ovals, tight bullrings, and demanding road courses. Kennington’s decades of experience at tracks like Mosport (ondas) and various bullrings across Ontario and Quebec provide an immediate baseline for the newly bolstered team. RWR’s engineering support is expected to bridge performance gaps during testing and setup adjustments throughout the championship calendar.
Strategic Impact for RWR
The move into Canadian competition mirrors a broader industry trend where national series serve as key testing grounds for driver development and engineering talent. According to motorsport analysts, partnerships between major Cup Series teams and regional operations often yield accelerated development for young mechanics and data analysts.
For Kennington, the alliance provides an infusion of modern simulation tools and telemetry analysis. The veteran driver enters the season looking to add a third career national title to resume accomplishments that include competing in the Daytona 500 and securing numerous victories in Canadian competition. The partnership officially commences with the opening round of the NASCAR Canada Series season.
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