With the recent report that Harrison Burton is likely not driving the No. 21 car in 2025, the question turns to, who takes his place? The Wood Brothers are sure to have plenty of suitors for their iconic ride in 2025.
Christian Eckes is a Chevrolet driver in the Truck Series, but, Chevy is a crowded bunch right now. If Eckes wants to move up, he may need to jump elsewhere similar to what Zane Smith did last offseason. The Wood Brothers offer an interesting opportunity for him.
Eckes doesn’t bring a lot of funding with him, but, The Wood Brothers help with that some thanks to Motorcraft. Ford needs a prospect, and Eckes might be the most Cup-ready without a direct line to the Cup Series. Why not go outside of the Ford camp?
Riley Herbst drives for Ford in the lower series, and he brings funding. That makes him a hot commodity for Cup Series Ford teams in some respects, but, he’s far from a great driver.
He only has one win in his Xfinity Series career. He is currently in Playoff position, so, he’s not having a bad season. However, does he really elevate the race team he joins?
Ryan Preece made headlines last weekend by saying he was apparently not invited to an SHR study group. That combined with SHR potentially selling charters calls Preece’s future into question. Like Burton, Preece has struggled mightily in recent years.
However, Preece does have Cup Series experience, which is important for Ford, which has very few prospects available. If they need a stop-gap driver while working on the pipeline, maybe Ryan Preece is their ticket.
The SHR charter rumors mean that pretty much every SHR driver could be up for grabs. Josh Berry hasn’t had a great rookie season so far, but, it’s only his first year. There’s reason to believe in his potential should he be dropped by SHR thanks to charter changes.
However, Berry only has 3 Cup Series top-10s in 24 starts. While there is potential there, it is a risk bringing him into a team that hasn’t won since 2017.
Chase Briscoe is the top SHR driver currently, and SHR currently has a team option on Briscoe for 2025. It seems unlikely that SHR lets Briscoe go, but, if they do, The Wood Brothers might try to nab him.
Then again, Briscoe is a Cup Series winner, and he’s currently in Playoff position. He’s doing a solid job in equipment that’s struggled in recent years. if he does leave SHR, could other teams pick him up?
This seat will be one to watch throughout Silly Season. Ford may have two extra seats they are looking to fill now.
