What’s Happening?
On Thursday, NASCAR Xfinity Series regular Parker Retzlaff announced his departure from Jordan Anderson Racing’s No. 31. JAR, a team quickly rising in competitiveness in the Xfinity Series, is now searching for its next driver. So, this late in the Silly Season, who is their best option?
- Since opening its Xfinity Series operation, Jordan Anderson Racing has had one trip to victory lane. The team is yet to be at the forefront of the series, but they continue to grow year after year.
- This open seat gives the team a chance to find an overachiever or an overlooked driver. There are some interesting names on the market, each of which would have good reason to head to JAR if other options dry up.
Parker Retzlaff is OUT at Jordan Anderson Racing
What’s Happening? NASCAR up-and-comer Parker Retzlaff is out of a ride at Jordan Anderson Racing. This departure follows moderate speculation after…
Zane Smith
Zane Smith is NASCAR’s Most Interesting Free Agent Right Now
What’s Happening? Zane Smith has had an up-and-down year. While there haven’t been many ups in recent weeks away from the…
Zane Smith is possibly NASCAR’s most interesting free agent. After his late-August release from Trackhouse Racing, most rumors suggested he would return to Front Row Motorsports in 2025.
However, an ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR could prevent 23XI and FRM from having charters in 2025. This loss of charters could, in a disaster scenario, leave Smith a free agent.
While it’s unknown where he could land, in this case, his late-season statistics in the NASCAR Cup Series have shown that he is still the great driver he once was in the truck Series.
However, taking a step down would likely not be the move Smith wants to make.
Riley Herbst
Riley Herbst’s Future Is in Limbo Due to 23XI Lawsuit
What’s Happening? As the offseason creeps closer, one NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff driver has yet to announce his plans for 2025….
Riley Herbst is in the same boat as Zane Smith. Herbst is absolutely out of his ride as Stewart-Haas Racing transforms into the Haas Factory Team in 2025.
His rumored ride at 23XI is in the air just as much as Smith’s suspected ride at FRM. Most recently, a judge denied the two teams a preliminary injunction that would’ve allowed them to race as chartered teams in 2025. Despite this, some insiders still suggest Herbst could race at 23XI in 2025 no matter what.
But, if 23XI were to leave him out for 2025 with his sponsorship, it probably would not be hard for him to find a ride at almost any team in the Xfinity series.
Anthony Alfredo
Who Are The Current (Confirmed) NASCAR Free Agents
What’s Happening? The 2025 NASCAR season is right around the corner, however, there are still names on the free agent market….
Anthony Alfredo has had a journeyman career in NASCAR since leaving Richard Childress Racing following the 2020 Xfinity Series Season.
Alfredo had an up-and-down season in OUR Motorsports’ No. 5. However, he still managed to put together one of the team’s best statistical seasons to date. Despite this, Alfredo appears to be on the move yet again.
A veteran like Alfredo, who consistently brings the car home, might be the right option for JAR. However, Alfredo is an aging talent, and this free agency gives JAR a chance to sign a younger, long-term option.
Daniel Hemric
Rumor Mill: Daniel Hemric to the Truck Series?
What’s Happening? With the season coming to an end, the rumor mill has been awfully quiet about Hemric’s future. But, a…
Former Xfinity Series champion Daniel Hemric is in a tight spot at the end of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Kaulig Racing already signed Ty Dillon to drive the now No. 10 in 2025.
However, this makes an interesting case for Hemric, who is back in the free agent market once again. Though a former champion, Hemric has somehow only found victory lane once in his NASCAR career.
But his consistency on track and sponsorship continues to get him rides in NASCAR’s National Series. While JAR is an interesting opportunity for him to return to the Xfinity Series, a rumored opportunity at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2025 looks like his landing spot.
Chandler Smith
Rumor Mill: Chandler Smith to RCR?
What’s Happening? While it may not be the full-time ride some hoped he would get, a new rumor is pointing to…
Chandler Smith is yet another driver in an interesting spot heading into free agency. After putting up perhaps one of the best Xfinity Series seasons in recent memory, financial struggles along with a packed Toyota developmental system pushed SmithSmith out of Joe Gibbs Racing at year’s end.
Smith was extremely honest in an interview with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, telling Pockrass that he could be working for his dad’s construction company next year. It would take a team that already has funding to sign Smith, but for a team like Jordan Anderson Racing, bringing Smith could benefit them in the long run.
Furthermore, a recent rumor suggested that Smith could get part-time starts in the No. 33 Cup Series entry for Richard Childress Racing next year. Jordan Anderson Racing has a close relationship with RCR, and this could be the other side of that deal.
However, the rumor mill has not mentioned this. Either way, despite his limited financial support, JAR should give a candidate of Smith’s caliber due consideration in free agency.
What do you think about all this? Let us know on Discord or X what your take is, and don’t forget you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.