What’s Happening?

The recent JTG-Daugherty/Kroger drama highlights how important sponsors are to a race team. One sponsor jumping ship could, at least, change the structure of a race team or, at worst, shut down a race team entirely. Today, we look at some other sponsors that have the potential to upend Silly Season should unexpected changes happen.

What’s Going on With JTG-Daugherty Racing? Sponsor Drama, Team Shakeup, Charter Sale?

• This list focuses on which sponsors are the most important to certain race teams. Should these sponsors leave for one reason or another, it could force teams to restructure.
• These sponsors may not necessarily be on their way out. However, the potential for a surprise exit is there, as unlikely as it may be.
• Fans do not always love how dependent teams are on sponsors, but, they understand the reality of the sport. As a result, fans watch sponsor deals quite closely.

Bass Pro Shops

Why Joe Gibbs Racing Wants Kroger From JTG Daugherty

Bass Pro Shops has been loyal to Martin Truex Jr. since the beginning of his career. However, Truex Jr. will retire sooner rather than later, even if that storyline will drag on throughout the summer. Should he retire, Bass Pro Shops likely goes with him.

This is why nabbing Kroger would be a big get for JGR. A team that lost a bulk of FedEx support from Denny Hamlin’s car, another driver who may not stay at JGR forever.

Mahindra Tractors

Rumor Mill: Ford and Stewart-Haas Racing Splitting

Stewart-Haas Racing is in an interesting spot. They are reportedly looking at leaving Ford and potentially selling charters. This means that any of their current sponsors could play a role in which drivers stay or leave.

Mahindra Tractors has been loyal to Chase Briscoe. If they leave, SHR will have to find other means to keep Briscoe, who is easily the top driver for the team right now. Either a sponsor would have to move to Briscoe, or SHR would have to sell a lot more sponsorship.

Cirkul

Kaulig Racing’s offseason driver shakeup was primarily based on funding. Daniel Hemric is driving full-time for Kaulig because of the sponsorship he brings along with having an Xfinity Series Championship. That funding comes from Cirkul.

If Cirkul makes any changes, then that could mean another new driver for Kaulig Racing. Cirkul has sponsored Hemric for 7 of the first 10 races of 2024.

Haas

Gene Haas has historically put up some of his own money for the No. 41 car. However, SHR is, as we mentioned, looking at some major changes. Could Gene Haas pull some of his funding as a result?

That remains to be seen, but, if it does happen, that could be big for Ryan Preece. He currently sits 23rd in points, and he does not bring as much funding as other drivers like Chase Briscoe.

Monster Energy

Monster Energy provides the majority of funding for two drivers, Riley Herbst and Ty Gibbs. If Monster Energy pulls back from one or the other, consequences could be dire. However, it is incredibly unlikely.

Gibbs losing Monster Energy means getting Kroger is that much more important for JGR. If Herbst loses Monster, with only one career Xfinity Series win, could he find another good ride?

None of these sponsors are immediately on the chopping block or anything. However, they are sponsors to watch for should things go awry unexpectedly.