It’s never too early to look at the following Cup series season, and this year is no different—plenty of changes have been made, with more yet to come. Here’s a breakdown, team-by-team, going from least changes to most changes:
(as of 9/21/24)
NO CHANGES:
Hendrick Motorsports—nothing to see here, just four teams running for championships, solid sponsorship, and an aging Jeff Gordon waiting in the wings to take over the team and make us all feel REALLY old.
Team Penske—all three drivers are expected to return with their current sponsors. And yes—I’ve been getting those weird Joey Logano “Cars” toys ads too.
Richard Childress Racing—both drivers are expected to return, unless Kyle Busch throws a Kurt Busch-like hissy-fit at Homestead.
NO CHANGES EXPECTED:
Legacy Motor Club—both drivers are signed through at least next year, and with a lot of work and a little luck, they just might step up their performance from weekly 29th place finishes to 27th place finishes.
EVERYTHING BUT THE DRIVER IS TBA:
JTG Daugherty Racing—so, basically, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is going to return next year, but sponsorship, manufacturer, and even team ownership are expected to change. As long as he doesn’t start wearing plaid again…
EXPANDING?
RFK Racing—BKes and C.Buescher are coming back, but are rumored to be joined by a third car driven by Ryan Preece with Kroger sponsorship. That should mean 50% more of those obscure social media activation awards they love to brag about.
23XI Racing—both drivers are signed to long-term deals, but their current part-time third team could become full-time with Riley Herbst driving. Seriously.
DRIVER CHANGES:
Joe Gibbs Racing—a retiring Martin Truex Jr. is replaced by Chase Briscoe, as announced by Christopher Bell.
Kaulig Racing—AJ Allmendinger is signed for the 16 car, while the 31 is rumored to be earmarked for…*groan*…Ty Dillon.
Rick Ware Racing—one car will be driven by Corey LaJoie, and the other will be driven by unsigned drivers with too much money on their hands.
Wood Bros. Racing—Josh Berry takes over for Harrison Burton in the ersatz fourth Penske car. And yes, I really just wanted to use the word “ersatz” there.
EXPANDING:
Trackhouse Racing—Ross n Daniel are joined by Shane van Gisbergen full-time in the new 88 car. And yes, I’m just as annoyed as you that they took the number made famous by Geoff(rey) Bodine.
Front Row Motorsports—Todd Gilliland will be joined by Noah Gragson and a third driver TBD as of this writing. Well, typing.
Spire Motorsports—Carson Hocevar is joined by Michael McDowell and Justin Haley for 2025. This could leave Zane Smith as The Dreaded Odd Man Out next year (dumdumDUMMMM).
CONTRACTING:
Haas Factory Team—Only the 41 car (with Cole Custer driving) will return next year, as the other three teams and co-owner Tony Stewart depart the team. Oh well—we’ll always have fig bars.
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