Stewart-Haas Racing Rebuilding Phase: Stewart-Haas Racing, a once-dominant force in the NASCAR Cup Series, faced a challenging 2023 season that marked a significant departure from their glory days. The season saw them endure their first winless campaign since 2008, a stark contrast to the 69 victories they accumulated from 2009 to 2022.
After their impressive 10-win performance in 2020, they struggled to find victory lane, managing only four wins, with two of them occurring within just eight days in 2022. In the prior seven years, from 2014 to 2020, they had enjoyed five seasons with more than four triumphs.
The retirement of Kevin Harvick, the 2014 champion and a 60-time race winner, had a profound impact on the team. In his final season, Harvick stood as the team’s top points finisher, securing 13th place. Notably, none of the team’s other three drivers achieved a higher finish than 22nd.
The departure of Aric Almirola is another significant loss. This leaves Stewart-Haas Racing in a rebuilding phase without a seasoned veteran in their lineup. Chase Briscoe, their longest-tenured driver entering the 2024 season, has a single career win and a solitary playoff appearance in three seasons with the team.
Ryan Preece, the only other returning driver from 2023, completed his first season at Stewart-Haas Racing with just two top-10 finishes. Noah Gragson, who had a tumultuous year at Legacy Motor Club and was rumored to replace Almirola, had limited success with only two top-20 finishes in his rookie season.
As Stewart-Haas Racing navigates this challenging period following their winless 2023 season, they face the task of rebuilding with two new drivers. While it may present additional difficulties, it also offers the prospect of an exciting fresh start.
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