MOORESVILLE, NC (January 31, 2023) – Rick Ware Racing has signed Riley Herbst to drive the No. 15 Ford Mustang in this year’s Daytona 500 with SunnyD, the popular citrus beverage, coming on board as the primary sponsor.
The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway will be Herbst’s first NASCAR Cup Series start.
Herbst is currently a full-time driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Stewart-Haas Racing. The 24-year-old native of Las Vegas has earned two poles, 17 top-five and 54 top-10 finishes in 109 NXS starts.
Ware, who is marking his 40th year in motorsports in 2023, knows this is a milestone race for Herbst.
“It’s great to have Riley making his first NASCAR Cup Series start with RWR and be a part of the next step in his career,” said Rick Ware, team owner. “We are very pleased to partner with Harvest Hill Beverage Company and promote its SunnyD brand on our No. 15 Ford Mustang in such an incredible event.”
Herbst is looking forward to being part of such an iconic race with RWR.
“As a kid, you always dream of being able to race in the Daytona 500, and I’m able to accomplish that with Rick Ware Racing,” said Herbst. “It’s such a big event and for it to be my first Cup start will be a crazy experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do behind the wheel of the No. 15 SunnyD Ford Mustang.
“I’m appreciative to RWR for this opportunity. They’re a team that has a lot of experience in the NASCAR Cup Series, so it’ll be a chance to learn. The Fords have been fast in the Daytona 500 the last few years and their teamwork has helped them find victory lane.
“I’m hoping to lean on and learn from the other Ford drivers throughout the week as I get more comfortable in the Next Gen car and prepare for the Great American Race.”
The 65th running of the Daytona 500 is Sunday, February 19 airing live on FOX TV, MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
About Rick Ware Racing
Based in Mooresville, NC, 2023 marks Rick Ware’s 40th anniversary in motorsports. RWR competes with the No. 15 and 51 Ford Mustangs in the NASCAR Cup Series, the No. 51 Top Fuel dragster in NHRA, the No. 51 LMP2 class entry in the IMSA WeatherTech Series, the No. 51 entry in the NTT IndyCar Series, and multiple entries in the World Supercross Championship, where RWR is the reigning World Champion in the SX2 class.
About Harvest Hill Beverage Company:
Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners, and acquired the SUNNYD brand from J.W. Childs in February 2016. Harvest Hill markets some of America’s most beloved beverage brands, including SUNNYD, JUICY JUICE, LITTLE HUG and DAILY’S Cocktails. SUNNYD products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For complete nutrition facts, recipe and activity ideas, and other helpful information, visit SUNNYD.com. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.HarvestHill.com.
-Rick Ware Racing Press Release
-Photo credit: James Gilbert/Getty Images