NASCAR Silly Season seems to start earlier and earlier every year.
It unofficially kicked off last week when Michael McDowell signed with Spire Motorsports for 2025 and beyond in the NASCAR Cup Series. But that was merely the first domino to fall.
Rumors appear to change by the day, but let’s take a first crack at nailing down Silly Season for the 2025 season, ranging from teams that are already set for next year to teams that will see massive changes.
No Changes
Hendrick Motorsports
All four drivers are locked in.
JTG Daugherty Racing
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. recently signed an extension with the team. Some of the ownership players could change and Kroger could leave, but the team itself should look the same.
Spire Motorsports
With McDowell’s signing, Spire now has all three seats filled. The McDowell announcement said Corey LaJoie and Carson Hocevar would be back as well. Zane Smith is leaving, but he is signed with Trackhouse Racing and was only on a loan to Spire for this year.
Could-Be Changes
23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace will of course be back, but the team could purchase a third charter. Corey Heim seems like the easy choice, but maybe Denny Hamlin wants to finally drive for his own team. Or perhaps 23XI could swipe a current Ford driver or one of the Legacy Motor Club drivers.
Joe Gibbs Racing
The only moving piece at JGR could be Martin Truex Jr. The 2017 Cup champion has mulled over retirement for a few years now, so the only way the JGR lineup could change is if he doesn’t come back for 2025. Maybe Hamlin or Christopher Bell could leave, but I see no reason for them to just yet.
If JGR wants to elevate someone from the NASCAR Xfinity Series should Truex retire, Chandler Smith appears ready. Perhaps Gragson goes there so JGR can keep Bass Pro, but that feels unlikely.
Legacy Motor Club
The team could be in the market for a third charter. It already runs a part-time third entry for Jimmie Johnson. Should it land a third charter, Legacy could be in the Heim sweepstakes.
Also, we don’t know the contract status of John Hunter Nemechek or Erik Jones. I don’t see why either would leave or the team would get rid of either, but crazier things have happened. Maybe Legacy wants to promote Heim but can’t land a third charter so it has to send one of its current drivers packing.
Rick Ware Racing
Justin Haley signed a multiyear deal last year, but if RFK…
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