Ryan Preece’s Search for a 2025 NASCAR Ride
Ryan Preece remains the only Stewart-Haas Racing driver in the NASCAR Cup Series still in search of a ride for the 2025 season. While his teammates Josh Berry (Wood Brothers Racing), Noah Gragson (Front Row Motorsports), and Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing) have already secured new teams, Preece is navigating through various opportunities to find his next home in NASCAR. According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Preece has been closely linked with Spire Motorsports, especially following their recent announcement that Corey LaJoie will not be returning to the No. 7 Cup car in 2025. This potential move could be highly beneficial for Preece, as Spire Motorsports is an organization that has shown consistent improvement each season.
If Preece were to join Spire Motorsports, he would likely be paired with experienced crew chief Rodney Childers, which could enhance his performance and competitive edge. Additionally, Preece has been mentioned in connection with several other teams, such as Kaulig Racing and Rick Ware Racing. Despite these associations, there is a possibility that Preece might prefer to aim for victories in NASCAR’s lower series, where he has a stronger chance of winning races. In this context, Spire Motorsports could offer him an opportunity in the NASCAR Truck Series as well. With multiple potential paths for 2025, it seems probable that Preece will remain active and competitive in the NASCAR landscape next season.
Corey LaJoie’s Potential Teams for 2025
Corey LaJoie is currently in the market for a new team as the NASCAR Cup Series teams finalize their driver lineups for the 2025 season. Spire Motorsports has confirmed that LaJoie will not be returning to the No. 7 Cup car next season, despite his existing contract. This development has sparked considerable speculation about which NASCAR teams might sign the 32-year-old driver. According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Kaulig Racing and Rick Ware Racing are two potential teams that could be interested in LaJoie. Both organizations have two charters with one full-time driver, making them plausible options for LaJoie to join either as a part-time or full-time driver, depending on the team’s strategy and needs.
If LaJoie decides not to pursue opportunities within the Cup Series, he could seek competitive rides in the NASCAR Xfinity or Truck Series. However, this move involves significant risk, as it can be challenging for a driver to move down from a full-time Cup Series role and then successfully return to the top level. While drivers like Cole Custer and John Hunter Nemechek have managed to navigate this transition, it is by no means a guaranteed pathway. LaJoie has several potential avenues to explore, but it remains uncertain whether all of these options will keep him within the Cup Series.
Kyle Busch’s Future with Richard Childress Racing
The future of Kyle Busch with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has been a major topic of discussion in recent months. As the NASCAR season heads into the Olympic break, Busch is in a precarious position, needing a victory to secure his spot in the 2024 NASCAR playoffs amid RCR’s struggles with speed. Speculation about Busch’s potential move to Spire Motorsports has been circulating, especially as Spire is looking to fill the vacancy left by Corey LaJoie in the No. 7 Cup car for 2025. However, Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reports that Busch is not expected to make this switch.
Busch is currently under contract with RCR for the 2025 season and is anticipated to remain with the team. While Spire Motorsports has a relationship with Busch, it appears that his immediate future lies with RCR, where he hopes to regain his competitive form and strive for victories at NASCAR’s highest level. Had Busch’s contract been expiring, the discussions might have taken a different direction, but as it stands, Busch is focused on turning around his performance with RCR. Despite the team’s current challenges, Busch is determined to compete for wins and solidify his status in the sport.
