Photo: Jonathan Moore/Getty Images

Justin Marks Joins Rick Ware Racing’s Alliance with Premium Motorsports

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

As part of an alliance with Premium Motorsports, Rick Ware Racing announced Friday it will field the No. 51 Chevrolet with Justin Marks as their driver for the 60th running of the Daytona 500 on February 18.

Marks’ car will be sponsored by Harry’s Shaving Products, with long-time sponsor Katerra as his associate.

The No. 51 team will be powered by Earnhardt Childress Engines, the same engine supplier Premium Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet, driven by Danica Patrick, will have in the Great American Race. Ware’s entry is also guaranteed a spot at Daytona after a charter was leased from Richard Petty Motorsports.

Marks said he’s confident by the team’s positive direction heading into Daytona.

“Racing in the Daytona 500 is a dream come true,” Marks said. “The team has taken a dramatic step forward for 2018 and I think we’re going to have some real good equipment for this year’s 500.”

For Marks, not worrying about racing his way in the 500 after failing to qualify in 2015 was a sigh of relief.

“Going down there in the race, without the drama of having to qualify, is going to relieve a lot of pressure and we can focus on our race car’s handling and race ability so were fully prepared for the event,” he added. “Additionally, it’s awesome to welcome a new company, Harry’s, to NASCAR. The car looks great, they’re excited and it’s going to be fun to introduce NASCAR fans to a new way of shaving.”

In three previous Xfinity Series superspeedway starts, Marks’ best finish was 11th at Talladega in April 2016, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Marks made his non-road course Cup debut last October at Talladega for Tommy Baldwin, but finished 40th after completing just 16 laps.

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From the Pacific Northwest, Luis is a University of Idaho graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and Digital Media and a three-time National Motorsports Press Association award winner in photography. Ever since watching the 2003 Daytona 500, being involved in auto racing is all he's ever dreamed of doing. Over the years, Luis has focused on writing, video and photography with ambitions of having his work recognized.