In a shocking turn of events, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) announced its decision to shutter one of its NASCAR Cup Series teams following the 2024 season, triggering a wave of uncertainty and speculation across the racing community. The closure, confirmed on Wednesday, marks a significant shift for the organization that has been a mainstay in NASCAR for over a decade.
A Tough Decision for SHR
Stewart-Haas Racing cited financial challenges, sponsorship hurdles, and a need to focus on its remaining teams as key factors in the decision. While SHR has been a competitive force in the Cup Series, recent struggles on the track and in securing full-season sponsorships have pushed the team toward downsizing.
“After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to restructure our organization for the long-term sustainability of SHR,” said co-owner Tony Stewart. “This was not an easy choice, but it allows us to focus our resources on being more competitive with the teams we will continue to field.”
The closure impacts one of SHR’s four Cup teams, though it is yet to be confirmed which team will be cut. Rumors are swirling about how this change will affect the driver lineup.
Major Driver Shakeups on the Horizon
The announcement has led to speculation about the fates of SHR’s current drivers: Kevin Harvick (in his final season before retirement), Chase Briscoe, Aric Almirola, and Ryan Preece. While Briscoe’s future appears secure given his long-term deal with SHR, the futures of Almirola and Preece are less certain.
Almirola, who has hinted at retirement multiple times in recent years, may exit the sport entirely. Preece, in just his second full-time season with SHR, now faces the daunting task of finding a new ride.
Additionally, SHR’s downsizing has created a ripple effect across the garage. Other teams are already eyeing the free agents that will inevitably emerge from this shakeup. Preece, in particular, is rumored to be a contender for an open seat at Front Row Motorsports or Spire Motorsports.
Silly Season Gets Even Wilder
SHR’s announcement couldn’t come at a more chaotic time, with the NASCAR driver market already in full swing. Several other high-profile moves are rumored, including:
• Harrison Burton: Linked to a potential seat at Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series or even moving to a mid-tier Cup team.
• Hailie Deegan: With her 2025 plans still undecided, she could find herself in a Cup Series ride earlier than expected.
• Nick Sanchez: The promising rookie may be tapped for a promotion to a stronger team in the Xfinity or Cup Series.
What’s Next for SHR?
With SHR scaling back, questions remain about the organization’s long-term future. Could this move pave the way for a complete restructuring or even a sale of the team? For now, SHR insists it is committed to fielding competitive cars, albeit with fewer resources spread across a smaller roster.
For fans, the news serves as a reminder of how challenging it is for teams to remain competitive in the evolving NASCAR landscape. As the dust settles from this announcement, one thing is clear: the 2025 NASCAR season will look dramatically different from the one we’ve come to know.