In a surprising turn of events, Chris Hacker will be stepping back from full-time competition in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, citing unforeseen sponsorship changes. Despite the setback, Hacker will remain with Niece Motorsports, though his future race schedule remains uncertain.
Filling the seat for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway will be Bayley Currey, who will serve as the interim driver of the No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports.
Hacker’s Sudden Shift in Plans
Hacker had planned to run the full 2024 Truck Series season, marking a major step in his NASCAR career. However, with sponsorship playing a critical role in securing full-time rides, unexpected changes forced him to alter his plans.
“This was not the path I expected, but I’m grateful to still be part of Niece Motorsports and will continue working toward future opportunities,” Hacker said. “I appreciate the support from my fans and partners as we figure out what’s next.”
Bayley Currey Steps In for Daytona
With Hacker sidelined, Niece Motorsports has turned to a proven veteran in Bayley Currey to pilot the No. 44 at Daytona. Currey, who has experience across all three of NASCAR’s national series, brings valuable superspeedway experience to the team as they aim for a strong start to the season.
“Bayley is a talented driver who has been part of the Niece Motorsports family, and we’re excited to have him in the No. 44 at Daytona,” said team owner Al Niece. “We’re still working on plans for the rest of the season, but we’re confident in Bayley’s ability to represent our team well.”
What’s Next for the No. 44?
While Currey is confirmed for Daytona, the long-term driver lineup for the No. 44 remains uncertain. Niece Motorsports will likely evaluate their options based on sponsorship availability and driver performance in the early races.
As the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season kicks off, the focus now shifts to Daytona, where Currey will look to capitalize on the unpredictability of superspeedway racing and deliver a strong finish for Niece Motorsports. Meanwhile, Hacker’s fans will be watching closely for updates on when he might return to the track in 2024.
