NASCAR “Silly Season” still has a long way to go to get everything totally figured out. It may be tough to follow every story in NASCAR Silly Season, so here is a look at every open seat in NASCAR Silly Season.
Kaulig Racing #16
This ride is still up in the air for 2024 primarily because of the uncertainty surrounding A.J. Allmendinger. Neither Kaulig nor Allmendinger has yet to officially announce whether or not he will be back in the Cup Series in 2024, so this seat could be open. If it does open up, drivers like Chandler Smith should figure to be candidates, but someone like Noah Gragson or Matt DiBenedetto could be dark Horses.
The Wood Brothers #21
The Wood Brothers have yet to officially announce, but reports are saying that Harrison Burton should return to The Wood Brothers in 2024. However, a tough first two seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series have put Burton’s status beyond 2024 into question. How much more time does he get in the 21 car before someone gets another shot at it?
Spire Motorsports #77
This is another seat that has rumors swirling around it, but no announcement is officially being made. Carson Hocevar is the favorite to land this ride according to recent rumors, and it would be quite an interesting pairing. Hocevar has continued to impress with Legacy Motor Club, and Spire could be chomping at the bit to get a talented yet raw prospect like Hocevar into their race team.
Rick Ware Racing 2nd Car
Rick Ware Racing has yet to announce even a car number for Justin Haley in 2024. Therefore, it is uncertain which car is open yet, and there is an argument to be made that Rick Ware Racing could go down to one car in 2024. Their current owner-point situation could leave Rick Ware Racing vulnerable to NASCAR revoking a charter if they nosedive to finish the season.
Joe Gibbs Racing #18/#20
The most prominent Xfinity Series seats currently available are both the full-time Joe Gibbs Racing seats. The seats have some candidates that are veterans including Trevor Bayne and Ryan Truex plus some younger drivers including Corey Heim and Jesse Love. It will be interesting to see who picks up this ride considering how many interesting prospects are potentially available for JGR.
Kaulig Racing #11
With Daniel Hemric moving up to the Cup Series in 2024, that means Kaulig has at least one ride available in the Xfinity Series. Kaulig has some drivers in the pipeline including Daniel Kraus and Layne Riggs that could be candidates. Lots of people want to slot Noah Gragson into this ride as well.
Stewart-Haas Racing: #98?/#00?
Stewart-Haas Racing is in limbo right now with the uncertainty of Aric Almirola’s future. If he does retire, then both Riley Herbst and Cole Custer are candidates to move up to the Cup Series. That could leave this seat open for 2024, and the options are…..not ideal in the Ford camp. SHR may need to go outside to replace this seat should one of them move up to the Cup Series.
Spire Motorsports?/Rev Racing
Kyle Busch Motorsports and Rev Racing are in a technical alliance this season, but Spire Motorsports buying KBM has made the future with everyone involved very uncertain. First off, what does Spire Motorsports do with drivers like Chase Purdy and Nick Sanchez who have already signed a contract for 2024? Will Spire continue their Truck Series operation?
Rackley W.A.R.: #25
Matt DiBenedetto is gone for 2024, and Rackley W.A.R. is filling in his seat for the remaining races for 2024. There are plenty of drivers who could be candidates to fill in including Noah Gragson. However, if the Spire deal leaves drivers like Chase Purdy or Nick Sanchez open, then maybe they could be options.
Front Row Motorsports: #38
Front Row Motorsports is moving on from Zane Smith next season, and the question of who will replace him is an uncertain one. With Ford’s prospect pool being a bit thin, maybe someone like Frankie Muniz could be driving the Truck in 2024. However, maybe someone like Rajah Caruth after GMS Racing shut down could be a driver to watch.
ThorSport: #13?
Hailie Deegan has made it no secret that she hopes to go Xfinity Series racing next year. She definitely has the following and sponsorship to do it, but where is the question? Regardless, this leaves the #13 ThorSport truck potentially up for grabs, and drivers like Caruth, Purdy, Sanchez, or DiBenedetto could all be candidates to take the truck.
Niece Motorsports #42?
With Carson Hocevar potentially gone after 2024, Niece Motorsports could be looking for a driver. The most prominent driver that could take the seat would be Grant Enfinger. With Enfinger leaving GMS as it closes its doors, Niece is a winning organization, and that is where Enfinger wants to go. However, things can go crazy as we have seen before.
These are all some storylines to follow as NASCAR Silly Season continues to heat up. Which other drivers are the ones to watch for NASCAR Silly Season? Which other teams could open up before the season ends?
