Since the last update on NASCAR’s Silly Season published by The Athletic, many developments have surfaced. One of the most significant announcements was Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement. Additionally, Joe Gibbs Racing has appointed Chase Briscoe as Truex’s successor, while Josh Berry has officially joined Wood Brothers Racing. Trackhouse Racing has elevated Shane van Gisbergen from his previous role, and Noah Gragson has been signed by Front Row Motorsports.
Despite the flurry of activity, the future driver lineups for various Cup Series teams in 2025 remain uncertain. Although no decisions are official until publicly confirmed, insights gathered from numerous NASCAR industry insiders provide a clearer picture of the current situation.
Corey LaJoie
One of the summer’s most notable free agent stories was Spire Motorsports’ decision to part ways with Corey LaJoie, who still had a year remaining on his contract. This development comes at a challenging time for LaJoie, as many teams that might have pursued him have either filled their vacancies or are nearing the conclusion of their decision-making processes.
Nevertheless, LaJoie has potential opportunities ahead. His name has been associated with a Truck Series team poised for a championship run, but sources indicate that Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has emerged as the front-runner for his services as he approaches his 33rd birthday.
“My phone’s buzzing and there’s interest from various parties reaching out,” LaJoie shared on August 23. “Every positive change in my life has not stemmed from my own actions; those doors were opened for me, and I simply walked through them when the time was right. I trust and believe that the next opportunity, whether in the Cup Series or elsewhere, will present itself.”
If LaJoie and RWR can finalize an agreement, the team would gain an adept driver at attracting sponsors, with a proven track record of outperforming expectations within smaller organizations and a knack for gradually developing a team. Should RWR decide to replace Justin Haley (see below), LaJoie would be a fitting choice.
Justin Haley
Although Justin Haley is currently under contract with RWR, it is widely anticipated that he will move on at the conclusion of the season. Following the news of Spire’s decision to release LaJoie, Haley has emerged as a strong candidate for the No. 7 Chevrolet at Spire, according to various insiders, functioning effectively as a swap between the two drivers. It would be unexpected for Haley to remain with RWR next year.
Several prominent organizations have taken an interest in the 25-year-old Haley. A move to Spire would be advantageous for both parties. Spire would secure a young driver with significant Cup experience—having made 135 starts—who in the right circumstances could consistently achieve victories. Winning is a priority for Spire, whose owners have made it clear that they expect substantial improvements next season.
Justin Haley, with 135 Cup starts at just 25 years old, appears to be on the path to Spire Motorsports in 2025. (James Gilbert / Getty Images)
Front Row Motorsports
The team owned by Bob Jenkins has emerged as a significant contender this “silly season,” having signed Noah Gragson to a multi-year contract to succeed the departing Michael McDowell and secure a third charter.
The acquisition of a third charter requires FRM to add another driver to its Cup lineup alongside Gragson and Todd Gilliland. The frontrunner for this position is a familiar name within the organization.
Zane Smith raced for FRM during the 2022-2023 seasons, competing full-time in trucks and making several Cup appearances. The 25-year-old enjoyed considerable success in this period, including clinching the 2022 Truck Series championship. He departed after last season when FRM could not accommodate him, alongside McDowell and Gilliland in Cup, whereas Trackhouse offered him a multi-year Cup deal.
Even after his departure, Smith was held in high esteem by FRM personnel, and his name was at the top of their candidate list when searching for a third driver. While nothing is finalized yet, sources close to the situation indicate that if the appropriate sponsorship materializes, Smith is likely to return to FRM.
Alex Bowman
Although Alex Bowman still has time remaining on his contract and achieved a win at the Chicago Street Course in July, his security with Hendrick Motorsports has been subject to speculation throughout the summer. The discussions about his potential departure reached a peak last week when he was prompted to discuss his status during NASCAR Playoff Media Day.
“That rumor has certainly been frustrating,” Bowman stated. “Clearly, my contract runs through the end of 2026. All I can share is what my bosses have communicated to me, and there are no plans for any changes. Rumors remain rumors. I just hope (other teams) finalize their announcements, so my rumors cease. To my knowledge, I’m going to be driving the 48 next year, and nothing is altering.”
On Tuesday, team owner Rick Hendrick reinforced his support for Bowman when asked by The Athletic about Bowman’s unequivocal return next year.
“Absolutely. The sponsor (Ally) is pleased, and we’re satisfied,” Hendrick affirmed. “He will be driving the car.”
So why, if Bowman has been reassured about his position and Hendrick has confirmed his return, does he find himself facing scrutiny?
Part of the reason is that Bowman’s performance during the 2024 regular season has lagged behind his three Hendrick teammates. With one win, he finished 13th in the regular-season points, while Kyle Larson claimed a series-leading four wins and ended second in points, Chase Elliott secured one win and ranked third, and William Byron notched three wins and finished fifth. This disparity is noticeable and does not meet the high expectations set for Hendrick drivers.
Nonetheless, unless something unexpected occurs, Bowman will maintain his role driving the No. 48 car in 2025.
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There are rumors surrounding Alex Bowman’s position, but Rick Hendrick, the team owner, has confirmed that Bowman will drive the No. 48 car in 2025. (James Gilbert / Getty Images)
23XI Racing
The racing team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin has been actively planning to introduce a third full-time car for the 2025 season. This includes the acquisition of one of the three charters that Stewart-Haas Racing has made available, as per sources within the industry.
Should 23XI proceed with its expansion, it is anticipated that Riley Herbst will take on the role of driver for the new team. At 25, Herbst is currently in his fifth consecutive season in the Xfinity Series, where his performances have been inconsistent. However, he achieved a victory in each of the past two years, with his latest win coming at Indianapolis in July, which generated significant attention. He is also bringing sponsorship, which assists in offsetting the financial burden of purchasing a multi-million-dollar charter.
Despite these plans, any enhancements may be temporarily halted due to 23XI being one of two teams that did not sign NASCAR’s charter agreement last week. The dissent expressed by 23XI raises legitimate questions regarding the team’s future, particularly as Bubba Wallace’s contract extension remains contingent on the resolution of the ongoing stalemate.
“My process has been intertwined with the charter agreement, so it is disappointing to find ourselves in this situation,” said Wallace, “as it affects my career and future significantly.”
On Sunday, Curtis Polk, co-owner of 23XI, was vague about the team’s direction for the upcoming year, although he did indicate that they could continue as a non-chartered team if NASCAR were to revoke their charters.
“We possess the resources necessary to race if we choose to do so,” Polk stated.
The situation remains precarious. While 23XI is likely to maintain its multi-car team structure, the only certainty is that tensions between NASCAR and 23XI will persist.
RFK Racing
As reported by The Athletic last week, RFK Racing is advancing towards the addition of a third full-time team.“`html
According to multiple sources involved in the discussions, the team believes that he has yet to reach his full potential as a Cup driver and has never been part of an organization on the rise, unlike RFK, which has been thriving since Keselowski joined as co-owner in 2022.
Although the details regarding the charter remain uncertain, those sources suggest that RFK’s third team will not be operating as an “open” car due to the additional millions of dollars that would entail. With an announcement anticipated in several weeks, RFK has the opportunity to finalize its plans for obtaining a charter for its third car.
Kaulig Racing
Similar to previous years, the lineup for Kaulig Racing’s 2025 Cup season is still in flux. The team has already confirmed that AJ Allmendinger will return to its Cup program full-time next year, driving the No. 16 Chevrolet. Allmendinger’s prowess on road courses positions him as a strong playoff contender while simultaneously enhancing Kaulig’s performance overall.
The driver for Kaulig’s second Cup car is still undecided. Daniel Hemric is not expected to return for a second full season. Leading the list for Kaulig is Ty Dillon, who multiple sources involved in the discussions have identified as the top choice.
Dillon, who currently races full-time in the Truck Series, is a logical selection. Kaulig and Dillon have explored this option previously, with Dillon coming close to securing a full-time deal last year, although it ultimately fell through just before completion.
While Dillon may not be the most thrilling option, he has demonstrated potential with three top-20 finishes in six races this season during limited Cup appearances. Additionally, his connections to his grandfather’s team, Richard Childress Racing, are advantageous since RCR and Kaulig maintain a technical alliance, and Kaulig’s facility is located on RCR’s campus.
GO DEEPER
NASCAR Cup Series playoff outlook after Atlanta: Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney lead the field
(Top photo of Corey LaJoie: Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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NASCAR Silly Season Update: Key Driver Changes and Team Developments for 2025
Overview of the 2025 Silly Season
The NASCAR Silly Season is heating up as teams and drivers begin to make strategic decisions ahead of the 2025 season. This period is characterized by a whirlwind of rumors, contracts, and speculation regarding driver changes, team alignments, and potential new entries into the sport. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fans and stakeholders alike.
Key Driver Changes for 2025
Top Contenders on the Move
Several prominent drivers are expected to change teams in 2025, creating a buzz in the NASCAR community.
- Sam Mayer: The young talent has been making waves in the Xfinity Series and is rumored to be eyeing a full-time Cup Series seat, possibly with Front Row Motorsports.
- Christian Eckes: With his recent performance improvements, Eckes is a candidate for higher-tier rides. Speculation suggests he may secure a seat at a major Cup team.
- Zane Smith: Another rising star, Zane Smith’s name has been floated as a potential driver for new team expansions, particularly at Front Row Motorsports.
Notable Driver Retirements and Departures
The 2025 season will also see some veteran drivers stepping back from competition, opening up opportunities for fresh talent.
- Kevin Harvick: After a legendary career, Harvick is set to retire, leaving a significant void in his team’s lineup.
- Brad Keselowski: While still competitive, there are discussions regarding Keselowski’s future and whether he will remain in the driver’s seat or transition to a leadership role.
Team Developments and New Entries
Front Row Motorsports’ Expansion
Front Row Motorsports is a team to watch as they expand their roster for the 2025 season. They are exploring options to field a third car, which could significantly alter the competitive landscape.
| Driver Options | Current Team | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Mayer | JR Motorsports | Bringing youthful energy and potential victories. |
| Christian Eckes | GMS Racing | Could enhance team performance with his experience. |
| Zane Smith | Front Row Motorsports | Could secure more top-10 finishes with consistent performance. |
New Teams on the Horizon
The potential entry of new teams into NASCAR is an exciting development for 2025. These teams could shake up the competitive landscape, offering new opportunities for both seasoned and rookie drivers.
– **Potential New Teams**: Discussions are ongoing about several new teams that may enter the Cup Series, which could include expansions from existing organizations or completely new entities.
Analysis of Team Strategies
Impact of Driver Changes on Team Dynamics
Driver changes often lead to a ripple effect throughout teams, affecting performance, morale, and sponsorship deals.
- Performance Expectations: New drivers bring different skill sets and approaches to racing, influencing the team’s overall performance.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Teams may attract different sponsors based on the popularity and marketability of their new drivers.
Benefits of Team Expansions
Expanding a team’s roster can lead to several advantages:
– **Increased Competition**: More cars on the track can create a more dynamic and competitive environment.
- **Diversity of Talent**: Different driving styles and experiences can enhance a team’s adaptability and performance across various tracks.
– **Improved Data Sharing**: More drivers mean more data collected, leading to better car setups and strategies.
Case Studies from Past Seasons
Successful Driver Changes
Examining previous successful driver changes in NASCAR can provide insights into how teams can maximize their potential.
Case Study: Kyle Larson
After moving to Hendrick Motorsports, Larson experienced a resurgence in his career, winning numerous races and becoming a championship contender.
Case Study: Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s move to Joe Gibbs Racing solidified his position as a top contender and demonstrated how aligning with a strong team can lead to success.
First-Hand Experiences and Insights
Drivers’ Perspectives on Team Changes
Current and former drivers often share valuable insights on the emotional and professional impacts of changing teams.
– **Adaptability**: Many drivers emphasize the importance of being adaptable to new team cultures and strategies.
– **Building Relationships**: Establishing rapport with a new crew can be as crucial as the technical adjustments to the car.
Team Owners and Managers’ Views
Team owners and managers often have a strategic perspective on how driver changes can impact team operations.
– **Long-Term Planning**: Successful teams often plan several seasons ahead, considering how current changes will affect future performance.
– **Recruitment Strategies**: Identifying and recruiting talent requires a keen understanding of both market trends and driver capabilities.
Conclusion: The Exciting Future of NASCAR
As we look forward to the 2025 NASCAR season, the Silly Season promises to deliver exciting changes that will reshape the competitive landscape of the sport. From key driver moves to new team entries, the developments unfolding will be crucial for fans and participants alike. Stay tuned for further updates as teams finalize their plans leading up to the new season.
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