Photo Credit: Noel Lanier/OnPitRoad.com
Rick Ware Racing announced on Friday that Josh Bilicki will pilot the No. 51 Chevrolet SS for Rick Ware Racing at the two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Road Course races this season. He will attempt his MENCS debut at Sonoma Raceway in June, and will also pilot the car at Watkins Glen International in August.
Bilicki made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut last season with Obaika Racing at Road America where he finished 38th after experiencing electrical issues. He also has two other starts in the series with his best finish coming at Phoenix where he finished 28th after starting 40th.
“Words can’t describe how excited I am to be making my NASCAR Monster Energy Cup debut with Rick Ware Racing,” said Bilicki. “First, I can’t thank Rick enough for giving me this opportunity to get behind the wheel of the No. 51 RWR Chevrolet. Rick, like myself, comes from a road course background, so I feel like this is a very natural fit.
“I’ve been around the team for several of this season’s Cup races and the team is very impressive and are improving every week. I hope to earn some respect from my competitors and turn heads in the process.”
With a heavy back ground in the IMSA Continental Tire Series, Bilicki will look to add to a stat book and looks to add his name to a list of drivers who have moved to NASCAR from other series. His primary goal is to finish both races with a car in one piece which for teams like Rick Ware Racing, that’s the goal every weekend.
“I’ve worked a long time with the dream to compete in NASCAR,” Bilicki added. “We have some reasonable goals and expectations. If we’re able to accomplish those, we’ll leave the track feeling like we scored the victory. I’m still learning a lot about these stock cars, but I’m hoping my road course instincts will allow us a chance to exceed our hopes.”
NASCAR Veteran Rick Ware will field the car for Bilicki. Ware has given many drivers a chance behind the wheel, and has fielded a total of 670 starts in all three NASCAR series. Ware appreciated Bilicki’s focus and attention to detail in his transition to NASCAR, and that is what ultimately netted him a chance to race for the team.
“We’re hoping Josh can help give us a solid overview of our road course program and makes us better for 2018 and beyond.” Ware stated.
Rick Ware Racing doesn’t have a charter but it hasn’t been a problem so far this season with the team qualifying for six of the seven races this season with Cody Ware in one race and Timmy Hill in the other five races. Hill leads the charge with a best finish of 32nd at Phoenix.
