NASCAR’s Silly Season: Major Driver Moves and Predictions for 2025
With NASCAR on a brief hiatus for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Cup Series garage remains abuzz with activity. The annual “silly season” is in full swing, with numerous drivers in search of seats for the 2025 season. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable drivers in the mix and where they might end up:
Zane Smith (No. 71 | Spire Motorsports)
Smith, currently driving for Spire Motorsports in his rookie Cup Series season, will see his seat taken by Michael McDowell in 2025. Spire has an opening as Corey LaJoie will not return to the No. 7, but it’s expected that the team will hire someone new for that car. Smith might transition to Trackhouse Racing, as they aim to secure one of the two charters available from Stewart-Haas Racing. However, Shane van Gisbergen appears to be a more likely candidate for that position, given his proven ability on road courses. Consequently, Smith is projected to return to Front Row Motorsports to drive their new third entry, effectively swapping places with McDowell.
Ryan Preece (No. 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing)
Stewart-Haas Racing is undergoing significant changes, with three of its four current drivers already confirmed for new teams in 2025. Chase Briscoe is moving to Joe Gibbs Racing, Josh Berry will drive for the Wood Brothers, and Noah Gragson joins Front Row Motorsports. Preece, having missed multiple opportunities to prove himself at the Cup level, might find his future in the Xfinity Series. The remnants of SHR will rebrand as the Haas Factory Team, running two full-time cars in the Xfinity Series. With Cole Custer returning to Cup racing, Preece is likely to drive one of the Haas Factory Team’s Xfinity cars.
Corey LaJoie (No. 7 | Spire Motorsports)
LaJoie’s departure from Spire Motorsports was a surprising twist in the silly season. Despite criticism for his on-track incidents, LaJoie has shown he deserves a place at the Cup level. Kaulig Racing, which hasn’t filled its 2025 seats yet, seems a probable destination. LaJoie’s loyal sponsors, such as Celsius Energy Drink, could play a pivotal role in securing a ride, potentially in the No. 16 or replacing Daniel Hemric in the No. 31.
Harrison Burton (No. 21 | Wood Brothers Racing)
Burton’s underwhelming Cup Series stint with the Wood Brothers ends after 2024, with Josh Berry taking over in 2025. Despite his struggles, Burton has had success in lower series and might find a revival in the Xfinity or Truck series. His sponsorship from DEX Imaging and industry connections point towards a potential role with AM Racing in the No. 15 Xfinity car.
Additional Predictions for Open Cup Seats:
- Spire Motorsports No. 7: Sam Mayer
- Rick Ware Racing No. 15: Riley Herbst
- Kaulig Racing Second Car: A mix of drivers, including Daniel Hemric and A.J. Allmendinger
- Trackhouse Racing Third Car: Shane van Gisbergen
- 23XI Racing Third Car: Corey Heim
The NASCAR community is eagerly awaiting these moves, as they will shape the competition landscape for the upcoming season. Stay tuned as the silly season continues to unfold.
