Top 3 NASCAR Silly Season moves this season so far feat. Chase Briscoe

As the NASCAR silly season intensifies, speculation about driver changes is heating up. With unexpected moves already made and the playoffs still to come, some drivers have secured their Cup Series rides for next season, while others are still exploring their options.

An important development was the announcement of Stewart Haas Racing shutting shop at the end of the season. The announcement led to some anxious moments for the team's drivers, but most of them have managed to secure Cup Series rides for next season.

In addition to the SHR closure, other significant developments include Hailie Deegan's departure from the Xfinity Series and Martin Truex Jr.'s announcement of retirement at the end of the season. Furthermore, Spire Motorsports' decision not to retain Corey LaJoie for the 2025 season has left him without a Cup Series ride.

Here are the top 3 moves in NASCAR's Silly Season thus far

#3 Cole Custer - Haas Factory Team

Cole Custer at the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 121 - Source: Getty

Stewart Haas Racing's exit from NASCAR shocked fans and experts alike. However, co-owner Gene Haas decided to stay in the sport with his HAAS Factory Team.

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Cole Custer was recently announced as HFT's Cup Series driver, piloting their #41 entry. Custer previously raced in the Cup Series between 2020 and 2022 for SHR. He secured his first Cup Series win in the 2020 Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway before moving to SHR's Xfinity program.

The 26-year-old won the Xfinity Championship last season and is currently leading the driver standings. He will be eager to return to the Cup Series with the same form.

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#2 Michael McDowell - Spire Motorsports

Michael McDowell at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series - Daytona 500 - Source: Getty

Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell will join Spire Motorsports on a multi-year contract ahead of the 2025 season. The 39-year-old has been a key figure in FRM's ascent to a top-tier Ford team, and was expected to re-sign for another season.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Spire Motorsports announced Michael McDowell as the driver for their #71 Cup car in the 2025 season. McDowell was never seen as a serious candidate until the announcement was made. After a challenging season with FRM, the veteran driver will be looking to revitalize his career with Spire Motorsports.

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#1 Chase Briscoe - Joe Gibbs Racing

Chase Briscoe at the NASCAR: USA TODAY 301 - Source: Imagn

Chase Briscoe's move to Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2025 season has been the most talked-about driver change. SHR's #14 driver will be piloting the #19 Toyota Camry XSE in the Cup Series,

Martin Truex Jr.'s decision to retire from full-time racing opened the door for Chase Briscoe's move to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025. Initially, there was speculation about Briscoe moving to Wood Brothers Racing, but Truex Jr.'s announcement changed the scenario.