MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Rick Ware Racing (RWR), the NASCAR mainstay, has announced its return to Supercross as one of 10 exclusively licensed teams for the inaugural FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).
RWR’s entry into the WSX series is part of the team’s broader marketing initiative to expand into a global motorsports presence.
“Joining the FIM World Supercross Championship has been a thrilling addition to our existing motorsport programs,” Rick Ware said. “Not only does this give our organization an opportunity to cultivate partnerships globally; it also allows us to reach new fans all around the world.”
Rick Ware Racing currently competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, fielding two full-time entries. In addition, the team fields a single entry each in the NTT IndyCar Series, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series and the NHRA Top Fuel category.
RWR’s World Supercross effort for the 2022 season will comprise of Joey Savatgy and Ryan Breece in the 450cc (WSX) class and Shane McElrath and Colt Nichols in the 250cc (SX2) class.
“I returned to Supercross for one reason — to compete for a world championship, and I have every intention of winning,” said Ware. “These four riders know exactly what it takes to win at the highest level and each of them bring the skill, experience and competitive drive we need to accomplish this goal. I couldn’t be more motivated and optimistic about our chances.”
Savatgy, a Georgia native hailing from Thomasville, has an established history in Supercross and motocross dating back to 2013. His accomplishments include 10 career 250 class wins across the Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Motocross series, along with earning 450SX Rookie of the Year honors in 2019.
He brings a wealth of experience, know-how and an overall winning pedigree to RWR that will play a critical role in the team’s efforts for the FIM-sanctioned World Supercross Championship.
“I’m grateful to Rick for having the confidence and belief in me to represent RWR for this inaugural pilot season for WSX, and I could not be more pumped about this chance to compete in new countries for an FIM-sanctioned World Championship,” Savatgy said. “There is enormous opportunity to expand our sport on a global level, and I’m proud to be a part of that in the WSX series.”
RWR added Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-native Breece, who brings just under a decade of professional experience.
Launching into his AMA Pro career in 2015, Breece has stacked up two career Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship 450SX top 10’s and 27 career Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship 450SX top 20’s.
Breece said, “I am happy to announce I will be racing the FIM World Supercross Championship series for Rick Ware Racing in the WSX Class. I’m looking forward to competing in this new series, with competitors from all over the world. Can’t wait to see you on the gate.”
Hailing from Canton, N.C., McElrath has been a professional rider and fierce 250cc competitor for nearly a decade, compiling eight wins in 250cc across the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships.
He is a two-time 250SX West runner up in Monster Energy Supercross.
“I’m thrilled to take on this totally new and unique challenge with Rick and the team in the WSX series, fully motivated to put an FIM-sanctioned World Championship on my resume,” McElrath said. “The notion of building on the incredible success of Supercross in the US and bringing our sport to new fans around the world is truly exciting and something I’m proud to be involved in.”
Rounding out the quartet of riders is Muskogee, Okla., Colt Nichols. Nichols career in the AMA Pro category also began in 2015, where he’s collected four career wins and is the 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship 250SX East Champion.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to compete in the SX2 class and try to chase a championship,” said Nichols. “This year I haven’t had the opportunity to compete due to my injuries in January, so I’m thankful for Rick and the team for allowing me to get back on the bike. The global nature of this series, and the future plans for 2023, adds an opportunity to take our sport and expose it to new fans and I can’t wait to be a part of its growth.”