It’s pretty insane that Stewart-Haas Racing will not exist in NASCAR next year. It’s a tough spot for everyone in the organization to be in. Knowing that your job won’t exist at the end of the year is really unfortunate. I hope everyone will make the transition to another quality organization.
There are 6 available drivers from the organization that will look for a new home when you factor in the Xfinity drivers of Cole Custer and Riley Herbst. Here are my predictions on where Stewart-Haas racing’s drivers will be next year.
Chase Briscoe-Wood Brothers Racing
By no means am I an insider but this feels like a poorly kept secret. Harrison Burton has struggled in the 21 car for three years, it feels time for a change. Briscoe throughout his NASCAR career has been a Ford driver. This feels like an easy move for Ford to bring over someone who may carry some sponsorship and has a proven record in the Cup Series
Noah Gragson-Front Row Motorsports
It seems that Front Row will add a charter for next year’s season. That would leave two open seats if they keep Todd Gilliland. Gragson has had a solid year so far in his first season driving a Ford. He is still a young talent in the sport with a high upside. I think Ford would like to keep him and Front Row seems that they have a spot.
Josh Berry-Richard Childress Racing
Yeah this may be the most wild prediction. I think Josh Berry is in a tough spot. He is a rookie in the Cup Series that doesn't bring much sponsorship. I think his saving grace may be Rodney Childers. At this point I think there is a chance that Childers may be a package deal with Berry. Childers is one of the most respected crew chiefs in the garage and feels like he will be a highly sought after free agent. It appears that Childers loves having Berry as his driver. It does help that Berry maximizes his equipment and is getting better as the season goes on. I think Berry will pick up his first career Cup win and the last win for Stewart-Haas racing later this season. For RCR they could add a third charter or move on from Austin Dillion. I really doubt they would move on from Dillion. Adding Berry and Childers could give them a stable and reliable team.
Ryan Preece-Xfinity Series
I thought Ryan Preece was going to have a better year. He was probably the second best Stewart-Haas Racing car at the end of the year last season. This year has been a struggle and I don't see him getting another consistent ride in the Cup Series next year.
Cole Custer-Rick Ware Racing
I think Custer deserves a chance in the Cup Series again. He already has experience racing for RIck Ware when he made starts in 2023 after Cody Ware was arrested. Rick Ware is trying to become a better team in the series and has RFK connections. The biggest obstacle here is probably Cody Ware. Right now he is running a part time schedule and Kaz Grala has mainly been the other driver in the car when he is not. Custer feels like he would be an upgrade but it would probably be hard for Rick Ware to fully take his son out of the car.
Riley Herbst-Front Row Racing
Sponsorship is the key here. Yes, Herbst has become a better racer in the Xfinity series and has made some starts in the Cup Series but the sponsorship he brings from Monster Energy is his most valued possession. For Front Row Motorsports, bringing in a racer who pretty much has guaranteed sponsorship can fill a financial hole for a team that is probably going to be raising costs. In fairness, Herbst could probably be a pretty solid driver. It might be a perfect relationship for Bob Jenkins who does not like to give out long term contracts.
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