What’s Happening?

As the Xfinity Series season begins to wind down, a lingering question remains. Two of the Series’ premier teams, Joe Gibbs Racing and JR Motorsports, have open seats for next year in their multi-car stables. So, who are some of the candidates for those cars?

• Joe Gibbs Racing has one spot open following Sheldon Creed’s announced departure. Not even one season into his time in the No. 18, Creed has already been announced as the driver of the No. 00 for the newly renamed Haas Factory Team in 2025.
• JR Motorsports has a more interesting scenario. Sam Mayer, the current driver of the No. 1, is following Creed to the Haas Factory Team next season. Furthermore, Brandon Jones, the driver of No. 9, is returning to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025 and is assumed to be back on his No. 19 ride.
• However, the team already has a third full-time driver, Connor Zilisch, who will drive No. 88. The No. 88 is JRM’s part-time ride, and perhaps whichever car the team does not fill will take on that role in 2025

The No. 1 or the No. 9 at JRM

When considering the open ride at JRM, three main factors come into play: sponsorship, skill, and history. Three drivers come to mind when given those parameters.

Ryan Truex, the brother of Martin Truex Jr, is currently a part-time driver at JGR in the Xfinity Series No. 19. His winning ways and relationship with Dale Jr. make him a real candidate for a full-time ride at JRM. In contrast, his age and lack of sponsorship detract from his candidacy.

Rajah Caruth has the right combination of age, sponsorship, and skill, which is what JRM is looking for. The young driver burst through the door in the Truck Series this year, gaining full sponsorship from Rick Hendrick’s Hendrickcars.com and winning in Las Vegas. Those accolades aside, along with the endorsement of Mr.H himself, Caruth may need one more year in Trucks before taking the full-time Xfinity Series leap.

Carson Kvapil’s stock for this ride seemingly keeps growing. The young late-model racer had a solid time in the No. 88 this season. Furthermore, in his Bristol press conference, Dale Jr said that he wants to get Kvapil full-time at JRM soon. Once again, Kvapil’s lack of sponsorship is a major detraction.

The No. 18 or No. 20 at JGR

Why so many choices for the number? Well, JGR currently has three options; both No. 19 and No. 20 are part-time rides this year, while No. 18 is definitely without a driver with Creed’s departure.

First things first, Ryan Truex is definitely a candidate for a full-time ride at JGR next season. Aside from his sponsor troubles, Truex is a three-race winner as a part-time entry for JGR since the last season. However, his age and lack of sponsorship will still factor into the decision.

Riley Herbst is an interesting case. Early rumors pointed to the current Stewart-Haas Racing driver heading to an expanded 23XI Racing next season. Unfortunately for Herbst, 23XI held out on NASCAR Charter Negotiations, leaving the team with an uncertain future.

If Herbst needs a ride and TRD has to step up, Herbst’s sponsorship from Monster Energy would ease the difficulty of suddenly bringing Herbst on. Of course, this would be disastrous for Herbst based on the rumor he was heading to 23XI.

William Sawalich won the ARCA Menard Series East this past weekend at Bristol. Sawalich traded wins with Connor Zilisch in ARCA for most of this season. The young driver will finish the Xfinity Series season with JGR in the final three races. However, in his part-time Truck Series starts at Tricon Garage, Sawalich has not impressed much. Perhaps JGR should let him get a season in Trucks under his belt before this elevation.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinions on Discord or X, and don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.