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Stewart-Haas Racing’s future is as cloudy as any race team in all of motorsports right now. Josh Berry and Ryan Preece are currently in the eye of the storm. Where could either of these drivers go if their rides are no longer available at the end of the season?
Front Row Motorsports is both looking to fill the void Michael McDowell will leave after the 2024 season, and potentially buying charters. As a result, the SHR drivers are a popular choice for this seat. Both Berry and Preece are absolutely candidates, but, are they equal candidates?
Berry has performed significantly better this season, so, he’d be a much easier candidate for this ride. Preece would be a tougher sell given that he’s never won a race despite making 164 Cup Series starts. FRM is looking for someone who can win races now.
According to recent rumors and reports, the Wood Brothers are likely to let go of Harrison Burton for 2024, which is not a shock. Being a Ford team, SHR drivers could also look to this seat. Even if the team hasn’t won a race since 2017.
However, this is a crowded seat for both Preece and Berry. It’s possible someone like Chase Briscoe or Noah Gragson could take this seat. Could either of these drivers end up here?
Rick Ware Racing is getting better and better as 2024 rolls on. However, they only have one full-time driver, Justin Haley. If they want a second full-time driver, the No. 15 car could be open next season.
However, this seat would take a lot of funding, which neither Berry nor Preece has much of. Both drivers came to SHR despite a lack of funding in some respects. It would also be a big risk with RWR still being 33rd and 34th in owners points as of right now.
AM Racing has regressed significantly this year with Hailie Deegan. The Ford team was also considering opening a second car for the 2024 season before signing Deegan full-time. Could this be a place for Berry or Preece if no Cup opportunity opens up?
It’s possible, and it could allow both drivers to compete for wins. Both are winners in the Xfinity Series, and they could have success in a ride like this. However, with recent performance, the Xfinity Series is more of a Preece option than a Berry option.
RSS Racing came oh so close to winning at Texas earlier this year with Ryan Sieg, and they won last year. at Sonoma with Aric Almirola. If they get Cup Series talent in the car, they could compete for wins. Berry and Preece could be open.
Like AM Racing, the Xfinity Series might be more of a Preece option than a Berry option due to recent performance, but, it would be an interesting slot for either. This could be a sneaky, race-win-contending car.
Josh Berry and Ryan Preece are both awaiting Stewart-Haas Racing’s future plans. Next year, they could both be wearing different-colored firesuits.
