NASCAR: Top landing spot for Stewart-Haas Racing’s final charter

NASCAR: Top landing spot for Stewart-Haas Racing's final charter

As a seasoned NASCAR enthusiast with decades of trackside memories etched into my soul, I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation as the charter shuffle continues to unfold. The rumor mill has been spinning at full tilt, and it feels like we’re in for one heck of a ride come 2025!

It’s official! Trackhouse Racing Team has confirmed the speculation that’s been going around for some time now. They’ve indeed secured an additional charter for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, and they’ve added Shane van Gisbergen to their full-time driver roster which already includes Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez

One of the four active charters belonging to the Stewart-Haas Racing team is their third one, and it’s important to note that this team is scheduled to cease operations by the conclusion of the 2024 season

Among the remaining three options, one will likely be kept by team co-owner Gene Haas for managing the Haas Factory Team. They’ve officially announced that Cole Custer, currently driving for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Xfinity Series, will be their full-time driver next year

Stewart-Haas Racing charters on the move

Among the remaining teams, one is expected to be taken over by Front Row Motorsports. Similarly to Justin Marks’ and Pitbull’s team, Bob Jenkins’ team also intends to grow from having two cars to operating three

They have decided to keep Todd Gilliland on the driver for another yearn’t expect Michael McDowell, who has been part of their team for seven years, will be moving to Spire Motorsports and taking Zane Smith’s place there. Consequently, they now have one vacant driving position to fill.’

Prior to the 2024 season, Smith entered into a development agreement with Trackhouse Racing Team. However, it was disclosed before van Gisbergen’s confirmation that Smith and the team had parted ways. He has been rumored to be moving towards driving the third Ford of Front Row Motorsports in 2025

That leaves one more Stewart-Haas Racing charter.

23XI Racing is often speculated to be another potential buyer due to their ambition to increase from two vehicles to three, but no official announcements have been made yet. Team co-owner Denny Hamlin has been one of the most vocal figures expressing his dissatisfaction with NASCAR regarding the slow progress on a new charter agreement

23XI Racing’s current driver roster includes Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. At this point, Wallace doesn’t have a contract set for 2025. There are whispers that Riley Herbst could be the one to join as a potential third driver for 23XI Racing Toyota next season

The most probable buyer of 23XI Racing is likely to retain their current sponsorship with Kroger Racing for the upcoming season. However, according to reports, JTG Dauerty Racing is also considering an expansion from two to three cars next year

Their driver lineup currently consists of team co-owner Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher.

2024-09-04 15:02