By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
Jennifer Jo Cobb will make her NASCAR Cup Series debut with Rick Ware Racing at Talladega Superspeedway.
Cobb will drive the No. 15 Arrowhead Brass Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Rick Ware Racing at Talladega. She is a 14-year veteran in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. She has been a driver-owner in the series for 10 years.
When Cobb takes the green flag in the Cup Series in the GEICO 500 at Talladega, she will be the first woman to compete at NASCAR’s top level since Danica Patrick in the 2018 Daytona 500. Patrick finished 35th that day after getting swept up in an accident just after the halfway mark.
“I am grateful to have a new sponsor like Arrowhead Brass join in my excitement of having Jennifer Jo Cobb drive for RWR at Talladega Superspeedway,” commented team owner Rick Ware. “Being a female in a male dominated sport is not an easy task, especially for as long as Jennifer has been competing in NASCAR. I hope that she has a successful first NASCAR Cup Series debut and look forward to Arrowhead Brass making their NASCAR Sponsorship debut at Talladega as the primary sponsor on Jennifer’s car.”
In 216 Truck Series starts, Cobb has one top-10 finish, a sixth place finish at Daytona International Speedway. She has 16 combined starts in the Truck Series at Daytona and Talladega. Cobb has led 20 laps on the superspeedways including 16 in last year’s Truck race at Talladega.
The Kansas City, KS native also has 31 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In the Xfinity Series, she has a combined four starts at Daytona and Talladega. Her best superspeedway finish in the Xfinity Series was 29th at Talladega in 2018.
“We at Arrowhead Brass are extremely proud to partner with RWR to sponsor the No. 15 car at Talladega,” said Jim Kapparos. “I believe that we share many values with the RWR organization. It seems fitting that our first car sponsorship would also have a first time Cup Driver. We as an organization are extremely excited by the potential we see in participating and growing within the NASCAR community now and in the future.”
The partnership for the GEICO 500 at Talladega is not Cobb’s first with Rick Ware. Between 2011 and 2014 the 47-year-old competed in six Xfinity Series races for Ware. Her best finish with Ware, 24th, came at her home track, Kansas Speedway, in 2014.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity with RWR, and greatly appreciate Arrowhead Brass for coming on board to help make this happen,” explained Cobb. “It’s also exciting to have my longtime sponsor at Fastener Supply to extend their support as well. I have a long history with RWR and a lot of respect for this organization.
“This team has a lot of heart and reminds me a lot of my small team competing against such mammoth organizations. I am proud of what RWR has accomplished. I want nothing more than to make the team, Arrowhead Brass, and all my sponsors and supporters proud of this effort.”
Joining Cobb for her Cup Series effort is her Truck Series sponsor Fastener Supply Co. The company joined the veteran racer at Homestead-Miami Speedway last year. Fastener Supply Co.’s best finish as a sponsor with Cobb was 18th in the season opener at Daytona.
“We are honored to come alongside Jennifer Jo Cobb as she makes her NASCAR Cup Series debut with RWR at Talladega”, said Donnie Shrum, President of Fastener Supply Company. “During our time as primary sponsor for her NCWTS team, she has brought tremendous value to our company. I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Jen to get the chance for her first Cup start. We appreciate this opportunity that has been given to us by RWR and look forward to the race.”
The GEICO 500 starts at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 25.
Feature Photo Credit: Photo by NKP / NKP Photo