NASCAR: 4 drivers already know they’ll need new rides
As a die-hard NASCAR fan with decades of racing history under my belt, I must say this current driver market is as unpredictable as a Talladega tire blowout! The Summer Olympics break has given us a glimpse into the upcoming 2025 lineup, and it’s a wild ride.
Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series is enjoying a mid-season pause, with NBC focusing on broadcasting the Summer Olympics taking place in Paris, France. Meanwhile, speculation about the driver roster for the year 2025, often referred to as “the off-season buzz”, has already begun.
The upcoming weekend will be the second one with no races following the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 21st, and before the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 11th.
After this upcoming weekend, there will be no additional off weekends on the 2024 Cup Series schedule. Instead, a continuous stretch of 14 race weekends awaits, with the final 10 of these taking place during the playoffs and concluding the 36-race season.
In 2025, many drivers anticipate having to find alternative vehicles. Here are the four who have been informed they will be replaced next year and are currently seeking new opportunities.
Harrison Burton
Since Harrison Burton joined Wood Brothers Racing in 2022, he’s had a tough time, managing only five top 10 finishes throughout the entire 2022 season. Starting next, Josh Berry will take over as driver for the No. 21 Ford.
After it became official that Stewart-Haas Racing would close at the end of 2024, Berry found himself in need of a different mode of transportation.
Corey LaJoie
Last summer, Corey LaJoie agreed on a multiple-year contract renewal with Spire Motorsports, indicating his continuance with the team up to, at least, the year 2025.
However, it has just been verified that he won’t drive the No. 7 Chevrolet again next year, which would have marked his fifth year. Spire Motorsports hasn’t yet announced who will fill his position.
Ryan Preece
As I, a dedicated gamer, learned about Stewart-Haas Racing’s decision to wind down operations at the end of the 2024 season, it sent a chill down my spine knowing that my favorite NASCAR drivers are now on the hunt for fresh opportunities.
As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about driver changes in NASCAR! Berry will step into the shoes of Burton at Wood Brothers Racing. On the other hand, Chase Briscoe is going to fill Martin Truex Jr.’s boots when he retires at Joe Gibbs Racing. Lastly, Noah Gragson is joining Front Row Motorsports and will drive a third car they’ve acquired a charter for from Stewart-Haas Racing. It’s going to be an intriguing season!
Ryan Preece, however, is still looking.
Despite Gene Haas retaining one of his four licenses to manage Haas Factory Team, Preece finds himself needing to seek opportunities elsewhere. Interestingly, it is Cole Custer, the driver who replaced Preece at Stewart-Haas Racing last year, who will be driving for Haas’ team this time around. Last year, Custer was reassigned to the Xfinity Series and went on to clinch the championship title. Currently, he leads the points in this series.
Zane Smith
Next year, Michael McDowell will take over as the driver for the No. 71 Chevrolet from Zane Smith in his role with Front Row Motorsports.
As a fervent fan, I can’t hide my disappointment learning that LaJoie won’t be staying with Spire Motorsports beyond the 2024 season, contrary to earlier speculations of his contract extending till 2025. While there’s technically a slim chance Smith might return, it seems unlikely at this point.
At present, Smith is temporarily assigned to Trackhouse Racing Team. However, since Justin Marks and Pitbull’s team might grow to include three vehicles, possibly with a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing, it seems likely that he may have to find another team, as Shane van Gisbergen has often been connected to the third driver position.
Try out FuboTV without charge first, and catch all the upcoming races on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule that will be aired on NBC and USA Network!
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2024-08-04 15:02