NASCAR journalist doesn't rule out Stewart-Haas Racing retaining 2 charters 

NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass has hinted that Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) might hold on to two Cup charters for the series, suggesting a possible shift in strategy. SHR co-owners Gene Haas and Tony Stewart had earlier announced the shutting of the company at the end of the 2024 season. Last month, however, Haas decided to continue competing in the Cup Series with one car in 2025.

Originally, the Stewart-Haas Racing team was slated to be rebranded as the Haas Factory Team. Haas had plans to secure two Xfinity charters for the upcoming season. Although he didn't drop any names, there was speculation that their current Xfinity driver Cole Custer might snag the Cup seat.

In his official statement, Gene Haas said (via Racing America):

"My commitment to motorsports hasn’t changed, just the scope of my involvement. Operating a four-car Cup Series team has become too arduous but, at the same time, I still need a platform to promote Haas Automation and grow HaasTooling.com. Maintaining my presence in Cup allows Haas Automation to compete at NASCAR’s highest level, which is important to our customers and distributors."

But now, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports has weighed in on the likelihood of Stewart-Haas Racing offloading just two charters. His take, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), was:

"Never say never since deals are likely contingent on charter deal but still expect Trackhouse, 23XI and Front Row to each obtain one of the SHR charters."

Back in May 2024, Pockrass had reported that teams, including Legacy Motor Club, RFK Racing, and JTG Daugherty, were in line to snag charters from Stewart-Haas Racing. There’s buzz that one charter has already been scooped up by Front Row for $20 to $25 million, though no official word has been released yet.

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Only one Stewart-Haas Racing driver is still on the hunt for a ride in 2025

After Stewart-Haas Racing announced they would be winding down at the end of the season, they gave their drivers the green light to scout out new teams. Chase Briscoe quickly got a spot at Joe Gibbs Racing, stepping into the #19 charter, left open by Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement.

Josh Berry jumped at the chance that Wood Brothers Racing offered him to pilot the #21 Ford Mustang, taking over from Harrison Burton. Hot on his heels, Noah Gragson landed a seat with Front Row Motorsports to drive the #34 Ford Mustang, stepping in for Michael McDowell, who’s headed to Spire Motorsports next season.

Ryan Preece is the only driver without any offers. However, with the team hanging onto two charters, it’ll be interesting to see if Preece sticks with Stewart-Haas Racing or finds a new garage in 2025.