The upcoming 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is generating significant buzz regarding Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) and potential changes to their driver roster. A notable rumor circulating within the NASCAR community is that Justin Haley could be joining the HMS team as their fifth Cup Series driver. Currently, HMS is represented by four established drivers: Kyle Larson (No. 5), William Byron (No. 24), Chase Elliott (No. 9), and Alex Bowman (No. 48). Speculation suggests that Haley might take over the No. 7 car.
This rumor gained traction after Brett Griffin and Freddie Kraft, veteran spotters who host the “Door, Bumper, Clear” podcast, hinted that HMS has more than four drivers under contract for the 2025 season. Their comments suggest that Haley, who drives the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing, might be the fifth driver in question. Haley has garnered attention with his notable achievements, including a surprising victory in the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona and becoming the 32nd driver to win in all three NASCAR national series.
In addition to the speculation about Haley, there have been rumors about Alex Bowman’s future with HMS. The same podcast suggested that Bowman might be at risk of losing his No. 48 Chevrolet seat if he does not make it past the first round of playoffs. Bowman addressed these rumors during the Cup Series Playoff Media Day, calling them “annoying.” He emphasized that he is under contract with HMS until 2026 and has not been informed of any plans to replace him.
Hendrick Motorsports Drivers and Championship Pressure
As Hendrick Motorsports celebrates its 40th anniversary, there has been discussion about whether this milestone adds extra pressure on the team to secure their 15th championship. However, the drivers seem to be focused on their performance rather than the historical significance of the season.
When asked if the anniversary heightened their drive to win, all four HMS drivers—Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, William Byron, and Chase Elliott—indicated that it did not alter their approach. While the anniversary is a significant event for team owner Rick Hendrick and his staff, the drivers remain concentrated on their race strategies. Bowman mentioned that he does not see it as added pressure but rather as an opportunity to excel. “I don’t think there’s anybody on the outside that’s going to put more pressure on me than I put on myself to perform each and every week and to do my job,” he said.
Larson echoed this sentiment, noting that the anniversary provides a chance rather than a burden. “I just view it as opportunity. Right now, we have 10 more opportunities to win a race and also a championship, which would be great in Rick’s 40th season,” Larson commented.
HMS drivers have shown strong performances, including a notable result at Martinsville Speedway, where Byron, Larson, and Elliott finished in the top three, and Bowman secured an eighth-place finish. With nine playoff races remaining, culminating in the final race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, the team’s championship aspirations remain alive and dependent on their performance in these crucial events.
NASCAR Rumors: Jeff Gordon’s HMS considering Justin Haley for potential fifth Cup car in 2025
