NEWTON, IOWA (August 4, 2026) — YSS and NASCAR driver Carson Ware have joined forces for the upcoming NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Iowa (Hy-Vee Perks 250), bringing the organization’s new “Before it Becomes More: Strengthening Iowans Against Opioids” campaign to the national motorsports stage.
Ware will drive the N° 47 Chevrolet during the Iowa Speedway event on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The campaign will be featured prominently on the car throughout race weekend as YSS uses the reach of NASCAR to encourage prevention, early intervention, and honest conversations about addiction and recovery across Iowa.
The partnership is rooted in Ware’s personal history with substance use disorder, overdose, and recovery.
Ware comes from a family deeply connected to professional motorsports. His father, Rick Ware, is the owner of Rick Ware Racing, a longtime NASCAR Cup Series organization. Despite having access to opportunities, support, and resources, Ware still found himself battling addiction. His experience reinforces one of the most important messages behind the YSS campaign: Addiction can affect any person, family or community.
Ware survived an overdose and was given another chance at life. Now in recovery, he is choosing to use his return to racing and the platform NASCAR provides to speak openly about the consequences of addiction, the importance of asking for help and the possibility of rebuilding a life after its most difficult moments.
“Recovery gave me a second chance, and I have a responsibility to do something meaningful with it,” Ware said.
“Addiction did not care who my family was, what resources were available to me or what opportunities I had. It took control of my life, and I came very close to not being here today.”
As part of the partnership, Ware plans to visit Ember Recovery, a YSS facility, ahead of the race and speak directly with young Iowans about his experiences. The visit will focus on honest, age-appropriate conversations about substance use, peer pressure, warning signs, consequences, recovery, and second chances. Ware will share how addiction affected his health, career, and relationships, along with the ongoing work required to rebuild his life. The goal is not simply to tell young people what not to do, but to help them understand that speaking up early can change the direction of their lives.
“I cannot change my past but I can be honest about it,” Ware explained.
“I hope sharing my story helps a young person make a different decision, helps a family recognize that something is wrong or gives someone the courage to ask for help. Your worst moment does not have to be the end of your story.”
YSS launched “Before it Becomes More” as a statewide campaign focused on strengthening Iowans against opioid and other substance misuse. The initiative provides prevention education, community resources, and tools designed to help young people, parents, educators, and local leaders recognize risks and begin difficult conversations before experimentation or misuse develops into addiction. As part of the campaign, YSS is encouraging schools, community organizations, employers, and local leaders across Iowa to schedule the interactive “Before it Becomes More” display in their communities. The traveling exhibit helps participants recognize the early-warning signs of substance misuse, understand risk factors that can lead to addiction, and learn how to start conversations before a crisis occurs. By bringing prevention education directly to communities, the display empowers parents, youth, educators, and community members with practical knowledge and resources to identify concerns early and connect individuals with support before experimentation or misuse becomes something more serious.
Communities interested in hosting the interactive display can learn more and schedule a visit online at YSS.org.
“This partnership is about giving Iowa communities a powerful opportunity to learn, connect and take action,” said Aaron Blass, Chief Growth Officer at YSS.
“Carson’s story reminds us that every young person deserves access to information, support and trusted adults who can help them make healthy decisions. Through ‘Before it Becomes More,’ we’re helping communities recognize warning signs, understand risks, and have conversations that can make a real difference,” Blass explained. “The more we invest in education and prevention, the stronger and healthier our communities become. And when additional support is needed, programs like Ember Recovery are here to help individuals and families find hope, healing and a path forward. No one has to face these challenges alone.”
The YSS and “Before it Becomes More” branding will appear on Ware’s N° 47 Chevrolet throughout the race weekend, supported by social media, community engagement, and storytelling centered on Ware’s recovery journey and the work YSS is doing with youth across Iowa.
“NASCAR has given me another opportunity and a platform that reaches millions of people,” Ware added.
“For this race, we want to use that platform to reach young people, support families and let anyone struggling to know that it is never too early to ask for help and never too late to turn your life around.”
The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Iowa (Hy-Vee Perks 250) will take place Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Iowa Speedway.
To learn more about YSS and “Before it Becomes More: Strengthening Iowans Against Opioids,” visit YSS.org.
About YSS
YSS is one of Iowa’s leading youth-serving nonprofit organizations, providing prevention, behavioral-health, treatment, recovery, housing, and family-support services for children, teens, young adults, and families throughout the state.Through “Before it Becomes More,” YSS is working to prevent opioid and other substance misuse, reduce stigma, strengthen local partnerships, and equip Iowa communities with resources that encourage awareness, early intervention, and connection to help.About Carson Ware
Carson Ware is a professional race-car driver who has competed in NASCAR and other national and regional motorsports series. After experiencing addiction, overdose, and significant personal and professional challenges, Ware is now in recovery and using his return to motorsports to advocate for awareness, accountability, and second chances.
