Every Single Open Entry NASCAR Team in the Next-Gen Era
What’s Happening? Open entries have become less and less common in the Next-Gen era, but, we asked the question, how have…
Part-time, “open” cars are a fan favorite in NASCAR as they bring back iconic numbers and historical drivers. As we approach a very different season, let’s look at some recent part-time entries from major teams and discuss whether that car may or may not return to the track in 2025.
RCR has already confirmed the return of this part-time entry for 2025. This will be for multiple races, with RCR calling up standout Crew Chief Andy Street to call the shots for the team next season.
We can assume that Austin Hill makes starts in the car; whether Supercars standouts Brodie Kostecki or Will Brown could return as well is unknown. Furthermore, rumors that up-and-comers such as Chandler Smith and Jesse Love could start races for the team make an interesting case for a potential expansion in 2026.
PROJECT91 seemingly came to an early end following Shane Van Gisbergen’s improbable emergence in 2023. However, this is for a good reason, as SVG is now full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse. Perhaps SVG’s promotion made PROJECT91’s death official, as Trackhouse now has three full-time rides.
While there is no official word on whether this “all-star” car will be back next year, owner Just Marks has made positive comments about its future. During RACER.com’s annual Race Industry Week stream this year, Marks ominously said, “PROJECT91 is certainly not dead” and that “I would expect to see that on the racetrack sooner rather than later.”
There are two reasons this all-star car may not return next season: First, 23XI is expanding to three full-time cars in 2025, and 23XI is facing NASCAR in the courtroom over many things, including the future of their Charters.
Without their Charters and the financial security that comes with them, the team could field just the three confirmed entries in 2025. However, perhaps the team could enter at least one race for prospect Corey Heim, who is once again taking on the Truck Series next season.
As of right now, this entry is definitely up in the air, and it looks more than like there is a real chance that it won’t be back for at least next season.
Just like Trackhouse and 23XI, RFK Racing’s part-time entry may end after the 2024 season. In 2024, the “all-star” car saw solid appearances from veteran David Ragan, Supercar’s driver Cam Waters, and road course ace Joey Hand.
However, with the addition of sponsor Kroger and the signing of Ryan Preece, the No. 60 is going full-time in 2025. The addition of Kroger is interesting, as RFK is now perhaps one of the most sponsored cars on track. This level of sponsorship might leave the door open for another part-time entry for the team.
If the team needed to stretch sponsorship, they could open up a fourth entry in the same role under a new number. But, for now, it seems like RFK is focused on the long-term future rather than a short-term entry.
While Johnson has not confirmed any plans, the legendary driver might be back in 2025. However, his time in this No. 84 entry has not been great since his stellar run in the 2023 Daytona 500.
The team has continued to make headlines for early race accidents, and in July, the entire team was released. How these firings will affect Johnson’s future is unknown. Following the mass firing, Jimmie finished the 2024 season with a new crew.
If it is a sign that Jimmie’s part-time starts are over, it does not mean that the team is not done with part-time cars, as Corey Heim was signed to the team as a reserve driver last season and could return to that role in 2025, perhaps with a part-time start.
What’s Happening? Open entries have become less and less common in the Next-Gen era, but, we asked the question, how have…
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