Other than some low-level teams doing the ol’ manufacturer swap, there wasn’t much change in the Cup garage from 2025 to 2026. As a result, there’s still likely going to be a pretty rigid hierarchy both on and off the track, just like at the casino.
KEY: #. Team name (car #’s), alignments, Casino club membership level
#—power ranking
Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota
Full-time teams only.
1. Hendrick Motorsports (5, 9, 24, 48) Diamond Chairman’s Club Inner Circle
Mr. H has built a juggernaut so strong that Alex Bowman contending for a playoff spot has people wondering if he might lose his ride. This is the kind of team that rolls up in a limo, has a casino attendant waiting on them hand and foot, and spends the night in a free penthouse suite.
2. Joe Gibbs Racing (11, 19, 20, 54) Platinum Five Star Exclusive Membership
While it’s a bit of a “three cars out of a four car shop” situation, JGR is still likely to post multiple wins for each of their contending drivers. It’s like the guy who wins $10,000 at poker over a long afternoon, then gives their grandson a $500 chip that they blow instantly on the big wheel.
3. Team Penske (2, 12, 22) Emerald Preferred Players Unlimited Club
While the IndyCar side of things has been “team turmoil”, The Captain’s stock car operation keeps chugging along with two championship contenders and a steady performer. It’s like a lady who walks in after a screaming match with her husband, only to win big at blackjack like it’s nothing.
4. 23XI Racing (23, 35, 45), aligned with JGR Gold Four Star Ring of Excellence
Well, now with THAT behind them, the 23XI crew can focus on going for a championship with Reddick, race wins with Bubba, and not wrecking with Herbst. They’re the guy who gets kicked out for cursing at the pit boss, only to be let in when they threatened to sue.
5. Trackhouse Racing (1, 88, 97), aligned with RCR “Casino’s Choice” Club+
Nothing against Daniel Suarez, but Connor Zilisch is very much a step-up on the roster. They’re the person who comes back after weeks of studying odds theory, then confidently sits ready in the sports book.
6. Wood Brothers Racing (21), fielded by Team Penske Ruby Preferred Players Limited Club
While legally distinct from Team Penske, this is less a satellite team and more a franchise operated by the Penske boys. Its the brother of the high roller who makes somewhat smaller bets based on what his other brother tells him to do.
7. RFK Racing (6, 17, 60) Gold Level Membership
This team took a step back last year, and owner/driver Brad K’s broken leg won’t help matters in 2026. As with all casinos, they’re the moderately successful player who seems to get every single “bad beat”.
8. Richard Childress Racing (3, 8) Silver Level Players’ Club
RCR is making big changes behind the scenes (again), but it’s likely to be another disappointing year for this two car team. They’re the old lady at the slot machine who slowly drains their free play, telling anyone who will listen that they have “a system”.
9. Spire Motorsports (7, 71, 77), aligned with Hendrick Junior Winner’s Circle
Spire has some real money behind them, as well as the arrival of Daniel Suarez. This COULD be the year they make The Leap from backmarker to consistent top-20 finisher. They’re the energetic craps player who continues to lose, but seems to have a never-ending bankroll.
10. Front Row Motorsports (4, 34, 38), aligned with Penske Basic Players’ Club
After a big offseason FRM has the chance to take a big step forward…or pretty much just stay where they are as an occasional drafting-track threat who’s barely noticed elsewhere. They’re the lady who won big on a slot machine a few months back, but still comes back to play and slowly burn through the winnings.
11. Legacy Motor Club (42, 43), aligned with JGR Entry-Level Membership
This team seems to be pretty much stuck where they’re at, and barring a major influx of funding, they’re likely stay in backmarker purgatory again. They’re the old guy who puts money on “the ponies” every single day but never wins.
12. Kaulig Racing (10, 16), aligned (sorta) with RCR non-member
They lost their manufacturer backing, will likely be getting RCR’s factory seconds, and neither driver has shown they can contend on the regular. They’re the vacationers who come to the casino, plunk down a cool thou, then disappear before their drinks are finished.
13. Haas Factory Team (41), aligned with Hendrick pays for valet parking
The move back to Chevy might help a bit, as does aligning with Hendrick Motorsports. Still, this team mostly exists because Gene Haas likes having his logos on cars and is incredibly loyal. I’d say they’re the guy who plays the slots just to get free casino swag every few months.
14. Hyak Motorsports (47), aligned with Hendrick fills up thermos at the complimentary soda machine
Honestly, I’m impressed that this team is still in business. They’re the guy who wanders the casino all day while never seeming to place a single bet.
15. Rick Ware Racing (51), aligned with RCR bugs people at the roulette table
Yes, they STILL exist, despite losing sponsors and barely making an impact in the standings. Call them the one gambler who always loses and always comes up with creative ways to swear.
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