Richard Childress Racing announced Sheldon Creed is leaving in 2024 to the surprise of some in the NASCAR community.
The question then becomes where will Creed race in 2024? With good funding behind him, the options are certainly plentiful for Creed across different series.
With funding behind him and a stellar record in the Truck Series, some may wonder whether or not Sheldon Creed just needs a change of scenery to another good team. Joe Gibbs Racing might provide that, and this is a team that has two seats wide open for 2024. Creed also might be looking at this seat because it gives him an easier path upward into the Cup Series.
As it stands, the RCR Cup Series lineup is set for the foreseeable future, and there is no clear path into the Cup Series through that pipeline. JGR has Martin Truex Jr. who may retire any year following the 2024 season, and Denny Hamlin who may retire sooner rather than later. If Creed wants a path to the top, this may be it.
UPDATE: Austin Hill Says Creed to Going to Gibbs
Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill both missed out on the Championship 4 following a tangle in the closing laps at Martinsville. An upset Hill told NBC following the race that he was looking forward to Creed moving to Gibbs in 2024. While not an official announcement, it would make sense given that this is the most prominent ride available for Creed to take over.
Kaulig Racing knows their plans for 2024 regarding the 16 Cup Series car, but they have not announced it yet. Creed could be a candidate for that car, but the Xfinity car is the most intriguing. Daniel Hemric is already out, but that spot may be taken up by A.J. Allmendinger. That leaves Chandler Smith.
Well, Smith is reportedly shopping around to Joe Gibbs Racing to potentially team back up with Toyota in 2024. Either way, a seat may be open for Creed here, and, again, it gives him a direct path to the Cup Series one way or another.
Rick Ware Racing has yet to announce any official plans for their second car in 2024, but they will need someone to partner with Justin Haley. This year, RWR has elected to use the All-Star car approach with drivers like Andy Lally, Cole Custer, Ryan Newman, and others driving the car. However, with the signing of Haley, do they want a single driver in their car in 2024?
Ford is very thin on young prospects, and the departure of Zane Smith makes it even worse. Creed is not the hottest of prospects, but he is a young driver which Ford desperately needs. Maybe giving a shot at Cup could be the next option Creed.
Stewart-Haas Racing continues to be a mystery team heading into 2024. Will Aric Almirole retire? Who will replace him? Is Riley Herbst coming back, or is Cole Custer moving up to the Cup Series?
All of these questions remain unanswered, but there may be a seat open for Creed. What Creed could bring is significant funding to the table, and that may be just what Stewart-Haas Racing needs, especially if Almirola retires. Creed may not be the flashy pick here, but he brings money to the table, which is huge for a ride like this.
These are all of the most realistic options for Sheldon Creed in 2024, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up going in 2024. Will he be in Xfinity, or could he end up in Cup in 2024?
