What’s Happening?

When looking at NASCAR Silly Season, it’s equally important to know who is staying out of it as who is in the middle of it. Today, we focus on the race team that probably will not be a part of NASCAR Silly Season from here on out.

• This list will include all NASCAR Cup Series teams not expected to make any major driver changes or charter purchases for 2025. This does not mean they won’t, but it would be a surprise if they do.
• Even if teams and drivers may have been rumored to be making moves at some point, things often change. Some of these teams may have had potential for big splashes, but they are not at that point anymore.
• Fans always look to see if their favorite team will do anything different, even teams not expected to make moves. These are the teams that fans, for better or for worse, do not expect any major driver moves from.

Team Penske – NOs. 2, 12, and 22

With Austin Cindric’s win at Gateway, it seems very likely that Team Penske will run it back with the same drivers in 2025. While this has not been Team Penske’s best season, each of these three drivers has loyal sponsors, and both Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano are series Champions. Team Penske has also shown more speed recently, taking two of the four races so far in June.

This doesn’t mean Team Penske isn’t working behind the scenes. The Wood Brothers may move off of Harrison Burton, and with the alliance the two have, Penske will certainly have some input in who drives the No. 21 car next season.

Richard Childress Racing – NOs. 3 and 8

There was some speculation at Iowa that Kyle Busch could move on at the end of the season, but that seems to have cooled off for now. Both Busch and Austin Dillon are under contract for 2025, so they should be back despite RCR’s recent struggles.

RCR will be busy behind the scenes, however. With Executive Vice President Andy Petree’s retirement, the executive lineup will be shuffled in the upcoming months. Time will tell if that turns into results.

Hendrick Motorsports – NOs. 5, 9, 24, and 48

Every Hendrick Motorsports driver is signed through at least 2025, so no changes are expected this off-season. There’s little reason to make any changes, as every HMS driver is currently in the Playoffs either through wins or points. The team is doing well, and every driver is in their prime.

HMS remains one of the premier teams in NASCAR, and it will remain so for years to come. With loyal partners and high-performing drivers, there’s no need to change much.

RFK Racing – NOs. 6 and 17

RFK Racing was in the conversation about potentially purchasing a charter, but that seems very unlikely at this point. After a breakout year in 2023, RFK did pick up another win at Darlington with team owner Brad Keselowski. While struggling to wrap their arms around the Ford Mustang Dark Horse like many other Ford teams early in the season, Ford is starting to figure things out.

RFK is aligned with Rick Ware Racing, meaning RFK could have some input if any changes are made over there. With an All-Star Car in 2024, RWR could see some changes in which RFK could be involved.

JTG-Daugherty Racing – No. 47

JTG-Daugherty Racing has committed to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. after signing him to an extension earlier this year. The 2023 Daytona 500 winner has become a stalwart for the single-car team.

However, ownership could see some changes, as Adam Stern reported in April that Tad Geshickter could leave the team, taking Kroger with him. How that breaks down is still uncertain, and it could affect who will be on Stenhouse Jr.’s car in 2025.

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