NASCAR Silly Season heats up: 6 teams facing driver decisions for next season

NASCAR’s Silly Season is heating up as six teams are facing major driver changes for the 2025 season. Spire Motorsports is parting ways with Corey LaJoie and could bring back Justin Haley, while Front Row Motorsports is expanding to three cars. Two new teams, Trackhouse Racing and 23XI Racing, are also expected to add new drivers.

Here we take a look at six NASCAR Cup Series teams facing driver decisions in the coming weeks.

Spire Motors

It was confirmed last month that Corey LaJoie will not return to Spire Motorsports for the 2025 season. LaJoie, who has been racing for Spire since 2021, had a multi-year contract that was ended early.

Justin Haley, who drove for Spire Motorsports in 2019 and won at Daytona, might come back to Spire next season. Spire Motorsports announced they are hiring crew chief Rodney Childers from Stewart-Haas Racing for next season. With Childers joining, there is also speculation about Kyle Busch possibly taking LaJoie’s place in the No. 7 car.

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Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports is also exploring its driver lineup. The team is expanding to three chartered cars in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. Bob Jenkins' team currently runs two Ford Mustang Dark Horse cars in the Cup Series with drivers Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland.

Zane Smith could make a return to Front Row. The team is also in discussions with Sam Mayer, who could bring additional funding.

Trackhouse Racing

Trackhouse Racing is also considering a new addition to its lineup. The team will acquire its third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing.

Shane van Gisbergen with two Xfinity wins is likely to drive the third car in the 2025 NASCAR season. He is a talented driver from New Zealand, and with Trackhouse expected to add a third car, van Gisbergen’s entry would boost their roster.

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Michael Jordan-Denny Hamlin NASCAR team - 23XI Racing

23XI Racing, owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, is likely to expand in 2025. They are expected to buy a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing.

Riley Herbst is one of the top candidates for their roster. Herbst, who has Monster Energy backing, fits well with 23XI’s existing relationship with the brand.

Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing is another team facing uncertainties regarding its driver lineup.

AJ Allmendinger, the No. 16 Chevrolet Xfinity driver for the team, has not ruled out returning for the team's third full-time Cup Series season. Kaulig’s driver decisions will depend on sponsorship deals and the team’s strategic goals.

Rick Ware Racing

Lastly, Rick Ware Racing which runs four full-time cars in the cup series is also exploring driver options for the next NASCAR season. Corey LaJoie is a potential candidate.