Has JTG Daugherty Racing welcomed a new owner amid $42B worth sponsor’s exit? Exploring the cascading effects of Brad Keselowski’s move

NASCAR Cup Series team JTG Daugherty Racing recently underwent significant changes with its top brass. This update coincides with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing confirming its acquisition of a third charter for the 2025 season, putting to rest ongoing speculation. A NASCAR insider has shed light on the developments, highlighting the impact of RFK's expansion on the JTG Daugherty Racing Team.

JTG Daugherty Racing fields the #47 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series, driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a two-time Xfinity Series champion. For nearly 15 years, Kroger, a $42 billion commercial giant (as per Forbes), served as the team's primary sponsor. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Kroger has shifted to RFK Racing's new third entry, aligning with driver Ryan Preece as part of RFK's recent expansion. This marks a significant sponsorship reshuffle in the Cup Series.

Sharing this recent update with the NASCAR community, Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"Rebrand for JTG team as it appears will be named Hyak Motorsports with owner Gordon Smith having assumed operational control from Tad and Jodi Geschickter this year. Hyak Maritime is the name of Smith’s maritime company in Washington."

JTG Daugherty Racing's previous ownership was divided between Tad Geschickter and his wife Jodi, along with NBA star Brad Daugherty. However, Gordon Smith, who is the owner of Hyak Maritime, which constructs vessels, has been reported to be the primary sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s #47 Chevy. Moreover, it has also been reported that the team's name- JTG Daugherty Racing- will be changed to Hyak Motorsports.

Moreover, Tad and Jodi Geschickter will reportedly join Kroger at RFK Racing, following the announcement of the latter's expansion in the Cup Series.

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RFK Racing's new driver makes feelings known about his move amid shake-up at JTG Daugherty Racing

Former Stewart Haas Racing driver Ryan Preece was recently announced as the pilot for RFK Racing's third entry in the Cup Series, the #60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Stewart Haas had announced their exit from NASCAR earlier this year, throwing a spanner in the works for Preece, however, RFK's expansion has helped the former SHR driver secure his berth in the Cup Series.

Following the announcement of RFK's co-owner and former Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, Ryan Preece shared his thoughts on the move, as Kroger joined RFK from JTG Daugherty Racing as the primary sponsor(via X)

"Being able to lean on Brad, the knowledge that he has, as well as what he's been able to do as a leader for RFK, is very impressive. It started with a phone call actually. I remember walking into SHR's building and I saw Brad was calling. That ended up being a conversation of there maybe an opportunity of where we're gonna be expanding to three car, would you, would you like to come drive for us?" he added. [0:40-01:09]

Preece, along with Keselowski and Chris Buescher will compete in the 2025 Cup Series campaign under the RFK banner.