The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to deliver an exhilarating mix of team expansions, driver movements, and strategic partnerships. Here’s an overview of the key developments shaping the upcoming season:
Team Expansions and New Entries
• 23XI Racing: Expanding to a three-car lineup, 23XI Racing introduces the No. 35 car, with Riley Herbst behind the wheel. This growth signifies the team’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Cup Series.
• Front Row Motorsports (FRM): FRM adds a third entry, the No. 4 car, to its roster, driven by Noah Gragson. This expansion follows the acquisition of a charter from the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing, enabling FRM to enhance its competitive edge.
• Trackhouse Racing: Introducing the No. 88 car, Trackhouse Racing brings Shane van Gisbergen into the Cup Series. Van Gisbergen’s transition from international racing circuits to NASCAR is highly anticipated.
• RFK Racing: Leasing a charter from Rick Ware Racing, RFK Racing fields the No. 60 car full-time, with Ryan Preece as the driver. This strategic move aims to bolster the team’s performance in the 2025 season.
Team Rebranding and New Formations
• Hyak Motorsports: Formerly JTG Daugherty Racing, the team rebrands as Hyak Motorsports following the departure of co-owners Jodi and Tad Geschickter. Brad Daugherty retains his ownership stake, joined by new partners Gordon Smith, Mark Hughes, and Ernie Cope.
• Haas Factory Team: Established by Gene Haas, this new team retains the No. 41 car, with Cole Custer as the driver, following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing. The formation of Haas Factory Team ensures continuity for Custer and his crew.
Driver Movements and Notable Entries
• Zane Smith: After a commendable rookie season with Spire Motorsports, Zane Smith returns to Front Row Motorsports to drive the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Smith’s reunion with FRM is expected to elevate the team’s performance, potentially leading to a playoff berth.
• Helio Castroneves: The four-time Indianapolis 500 winner is set to make his NASCAR debut by attempting to qualify for the Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing’s “Project 91.” Castroneves’ entry adds a layer of excitement and cross-disciplinary talent to the season opener.
Manufacturer Updates
• Chevrolet: Continuing to field cars with the ZL1 body, Chevrolet drops the Camaro branding following the model’s discontinuation after 2023. The cars will be branded simply as “ZL1,” reflecting the manufacturer’s adaptation to its evolving lineup.
Sponsorship Changes
• Amazon Prime: Entering NASCAR sponsorship, Amazon Prime signs a multi-year deal to sponsor Chase Elliott’s No. 9 car for three races annually through 2027. This partnership marks Amazon’s significant investment in the sport.
• FedEx and Kroger: Both companies conclude their long-standing sponsorships with Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin and Hyak Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr., respectively. These departures signal shifts in the sponsorship landscape, with teams seeking new partnerships for the upcoming season.
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, these developments set the stage for a dynamic and competitive year. Fans can anticipate thrilling races, emerging talents, and strategic innovations as teams and drivers vie for supremacy on the track.
