Carson Kvapil Linked to Team Penske, but Ford Switch in 2026 Unlikely
Speculation surrounding Carson Kvapil’s future continues to swirl, but recent developments suggest a major manufacturer shift may not be in the cards. While Kvapil does have an agreement with Team Penske, sources indicate that a full-time move to the NASCAR Xfinity Series—or potentially the Cup Series—with Penske in 2026 is very unlikely, primarily due to the manufacturer alignment.
Penske, one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR, fields its entries under the Ford Performance banner, while Kvapil has risen through the ranks tied to Chevrolet’s developmental pipeline. Currently driving for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, Kvapil has been a standout in his rookie campaign, proving himself as one of Chevrolet’s brightest prospects.
A switch to Ford would mark a significant change for Kvapil, who has spent his career developing within Chevy’s driver ecosystem. Industry insiders point out that while Penske has expressed interest in his talent, manufacturer loyalty and development funding often play the deciding role in where drivers ultimately land.
At this stage, the most likely scenario is that Kvapil remains within the Chevrolet camp beyond 2025, with JR Motorsports or another Chevy-aligned organization as the natural landing spot. However, the Penske connection underscores how highly regarded Kvapil has become across the garage—even among rival manufacturers.
For Penske, the situation highlights the challenges of securing top young talent in a sport where manufacturer alliances weigh heavily on career paths. Unless circumstances shift dramatically, Kvapil appears poised to continue flying the Bowtie banner rather than making the jump to Ford in 2026.
