As the Truck Series silly season rolls on, Rackley W.A.R.’s 2024 plans continue to be uncertain. Matt DiBenedetto is gone, and Chandler Smith, Trevor Bayne, and Stefan Parsons have been tasked with filling in for the final few races of the season. However, who will take the seat permanently in 2024?
Dawson Sutton is the son of team CEO Curtis Sutton, and Dawson also drives for the team at the late model level. He is 17 years old, so he is at that age where drivers begin to move their way into the NASCAR or ARCA ranks. He won his first Pro Late Model race this year at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.
Some would wonder why he is not driving in any of the remaining Truck Series races this season, but his age prohibits him from racing at the superspeedways of Talladega and Homestead-Miami. On top of that, the weekend of the season finale at Phoenix is the same weekend as the All-American 400 at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Could Sutton make the jump in 2024?
Trevor Bayne will race for the team at Homestead-Miami, and he offers great experience to the team. Bayne is a Daytona 500 winner along with a two-time winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. On top of that, Bayne has performed well in his part-time efforts over the last couple of years. If Rackley W.A.R. wants a veteran presence once again, Bayne could offer that.
Sponsorship is not a major issue with the team as Rackley Roofing helps fund the team, so Bayne does not have to worry about that. Then again, does Rackley W.A.R. want a young prospect or a veteran? If they want a young prospect, then Bayne is not a good option.
Stefan Parsons seems to be a candidate for many rides this offseason. He is going to get an opportunity with the team at Phoenix in the season finale. He has yet to run full-time in any capacity in his career, but this could offer him that opportunity.
He is 25 years old, so, he is a younger prospect if that is what Rackley W.A.R. wants. He has not been in great equipment yet either at any NASCAR level, so this would be his best opportunity yet.
Noah Gragson is searching for his next opportunity, but it may come in one of the lower series. He has shown what he can do in the lower series, so, teams will desire having someone who can win races in their shop. Again, with Rackley Roofing helping fund the race team, Gragson does not have to worry as much about sponsorship.
Gragson could have some offers at higher levels, however. He was recently reported as a candidate for the Stewart-Haas Racing 10 car should Aric Almirola leave, and if that comes across his desk, he will probably take that over Rackley W.A.R. Then again, anything can happen.
Who could drive for Rackley W.A.R. in 2024? Will it be one of the replacement drivers, or is it someone completely out of the blue? We will have to see.
