A fresh rumor circulating through NASCAR gossip channels suggests that TeamâŻPenske has quietly secured a current Xfinity Series driverâsomeone not affiliated with Fordâunder contract. With no official name released, the speculation has ignited the Silly Season chatter

đ§ The Clues So Far
1. Not a Ford-aligned talent
Penske doesnât currently run an Xfinity team (they exited after AustinâŻCindric moved to Cup in 2021), but insiders picked up a key detail: the mystery driver âdoesnât drive a Fordâ .
2. Hidden contract ahead of 2026 reboot?
If Penskeâs preparing to relaunch its Xfinity program next yearâor planning to place the driver with an affiliateâit would explain the private move .
3. Podcast confirmation
Sources behind the âClosing Lapsâ podcast reportedly confirmed there is indeed a Penske Xfinity deal in the worksâand itâs not a Ford-based signing .
âď¸ Who Fits the Profile?
With Fords eliminated, speculation centers on a few standout Chevrolet and Toyota drivers:
CarsonâŻKvapil (JRM/Chevy): A popular pick among fans and insiders . NickâŻSanchez (Big Machine/Chevy): With manufacturer backing and strong connections via ScottâŻBorchetta, heâs a logical candidate . JesseâŻLove (RCRâŻChevy): Viewed as arguably Cup-readyâwith two wins in 2025 and praise from Jimmie Johnsonâheâs a top contender .
đ§Š Whatâs at Stake
Reviving Xfinity operations: Penske has sat out Xfinity since 2021. Cementing a developmental contract could mean a full team return in 2026. Cup lineup shake-up: With Logano and Blaney locked in, and Cindricâs seat under scrutiny, Penske may be positioning this driver as a future Cup contender . Silly Season strategy: If true, the move signals Penskeâs long-term visionâand could prompt ripple effects across Chevrolet and Toyota-aligned teams.
đ Fan & Insider Reaction
Reddit chatter captures the excitement and mystery:
âEveryone seems to be convinced itâs Kvapil for some reason.â
âNickâŻSanchez clearly has someone backing himâŚand ScottâŻBorchetta⌠means he already has a working relationship with Roger.â
đ What to Watch Next
Charter announcements: Penske may lease out or retool a charter for this driverâs entry in 2026. Official drops: Sponsorship deals, test entries, or team statements could reveal the truth early next season. Silly Season dominoes: As Cup spots evolve, Penskeâs secret poaching could trigger broader team swaps.
đŻ Bottom Line
TeamâŻPenskeâs alleged clandestine deal is one of the biggest yet in the 2025 Silly Season. Poaching a nonâFord Xfinity talent hints at strategic maneuversâpossibly rebooting their Xfinity program and shaping a Cup contender behind the scenes. Whether itâs Kvapil, Sanchez, Love, or another rising star, this mystery hire could be a game-changer.
Whatâs your bet? Who do you think Penske already has under contractâand how do you see it reshaping the NASCAR landscape?