THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Rick Ware Racing has announced that Garrett Smithley will return to the team for the NASCAR Cup Series season with an expanded schedule, set to begin at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Feb. 23.

Smithley is a veteran of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He scored a career-best fifth-place finish at Daytona Int’l Speedway on Feb. 17, 2018. He made his Cup Series debut that same season at Michigan Int’l Speedway.

In 2019 he ran 14 Cup Series races, nine of which were with Rick Ware Racing.

“The time is now to increase my Cup Series schedule,” Smithley said. “It’s important to get as much seat time in the Cup Series as NASCAR transitions to the next generation car. Also, the Cup Series offers my marketing partners additional exposure.”

Victory Lane Quick Oil Change and Trophy Tractor will return as anchor sponsors for the 27-year-old driver.

“We’re thrilled to have Victory Lane Quick Oil Change and Trophy Tractor increase their investment in our team,” said team owner, Rick Ware. “Garrett is a fantastic young race car driver and an even better young man. We’re thrilled to support him and give him a platform to continue his growth on and off the track.”

Rick Ware Racing will field three-full time NASCAR Cup SEries teams plus a part-time team. In addition to Smithley, the team’s roster of drivers will include J.J. Yeley, Joey Gase and B.J. McLeod.