NASCAR Cup Series 2024: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the NASCAR Cup Series scene has been relatively quiet as anticipation builds for the 2024 season set to kick off in February. However, amidst this calm, three teams remain in the midst of making significant decisions about their driver lineups for the upcoming year.
Kaulig Racing, Rick Ware Racing, and Stewart-Haas Racing are yet to finalize their driver lineups, an interesting scenario considering each of these teams has already made one driver change.
Daniel Hemric is poised to take over the No. 31 Chevrolet at Kaulig Racing, replacing Justin Haley. Meanwhile, Haley is destined for Rick Ware Racing, filling a full-time driver position that’s been vacant since Cody Ware’s absence following his April arrest. Additionally, Josh Berry is set to step into the shoes of the retired Kevin Harvick, driving the No. 4 Ford at Stewart-Haas Racing.
The exception lies in the second seat at Rick Ware Racing, where the team is expected to maintain a shared entry alongside Haley’s car (No. 15 Ford/No. 51 Ford TBD).
Interestingly, Kaulig Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing find themselves in almost identical positions. Although they haven’t formally announced their second driver, both teams are aware that a second change is imminent for the 2024 season.
In an unexpected move, A.J. Allmendinger is set to transition down to Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity Series team after a full Cup Series season that included a victory, leaving a space for Hemric’s promotion. This shift presents Allmendinger with the chance to compete consistently in the Xfinity Series and allows Kaulig Racing to secure a top-tier driver for the Xfinity team.
Meanwhile, Ty Dillon, displaced by incoming rookie Carson Hocevar at Spire Motorsports, is anticipated to step into Allmendinger’s position, steering the No. 16 Chevrolet, marking his fifth team in as many years.
At Stewart-Haas Racing, the hunt is on for a new driver to fill the No. 10 Ford, following Aric Almirola’s confirmed departure for the 2024 season. Unlike last year, Almirola won’t be reconsidering his decision.
Noah Gragson, previously a potential contender for Stewart-Haas Racing when Almirola initially planned to retire after the 2022 season, is rumored to be the frontrunner for the vacant seat after his release from Legacy Motor Club ahead of the 2023 season’s end.
Pending confirmations of Dillon at Kaulig Racing and Gragson at Stewart-Haas Racing, along with Rick Ware Racing’s decision on their second entry, the 2024 Cup Series could witness 35 full-time drivers, with only one chartered entrythe second Rick Ware Racing carbeing a shared ride.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What will NASCAR look like in 2024?
Aside from the schedule adjustments, Toyota and Ford, two out of three car manufacturers, have made modifications to their 2024 Cup cars. Additionally, there have been some driver changes, including Kevin Harvick’s retirement and replacement by Josh Berry. Noah Gragson is also returning to the Cup series as Berry’s teammate at Stewart-Haas Racing, taking over for Aric. These changes are sure to shake up the racing scene and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Who is the new sponsor of Nascar in 2024?
The No. 23 Toyota team and driver Bubba Wallace have a new primary sponsor for multiple races in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series. 23XI Racing has announced that the United States Air Force will be sponsoring the team. This is great news for the team and fans alike, as the Air Force is a highly respected organization that represents strength, discipline, and excellence. We can’t wait to see the No. 23 car on the track with the Air Force logo proudly displayed.
Who will Austin Dillon drive for in 2024?
Richard Childress Racing welcomes back Austin Dillon for the upcoming season, while Josh Berry takes over the No. 4 car following Kevin Harvick’s retirement. Kyle Larson, who finished second in the championship standings, is set to embark on his third season with Hendrick Motorsports.
Who will drive the number 4 car in 2024?
In 2024, we can expect some driver changes in the racing world. Kevin Harvick, a well-known driver, will be retiring and making way for Josh Berry to take over the #4 spot. This news has been confirmed and is sure to shake things up in the racing community. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
