back to top

2025 NASCAR Season Brings Unexpected Changes With New Drivers, Crew Chiefs, and Teams

The 2025 NASCAR season brings unexpected changes involving drivers, crew chiefs, and teams. Noah Gragson joins Front Row Motorsports, while Chase Briscoe takes the wheel for Joe Gibbs Racing. Other notable moves include Josh Berry with Wood Brothers Racing and Riley Herbst’s expanded role at 23XI Racing. Crew chief shifts are just as important, with changes at Richard Childress Racing and Spire Motorsports. The schedule is revamped with new venues, including a debut race in Mexico City. Sponsorship dynamics alter team strategies, while the season kickoff promises intriguing new partnerships.

Key Highlights

  • Noah Gragson and Chase Briscoe join new teams, Front Row Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, respectively.
  • Crew chief changes include Jeremy Bullins reuniting with Brad Keselowski at RFK Racing.
  • The NASCAR schedule introduces new venues like Mexico City and Circuit of the Americas.
  • Denny Hamlin faces sponsorship challenges, with FedEx leaving a gap for 13 races.
  • The season kickoff features a new event format with heat races and a Last Chance Race.

Driver and Crew Chief Changes for the 2025 NASCAR Season

The 2025 NASCAR season brings considerable changes in team lineups, with notable alterations in drivers and crew chiefs aiming to improve team performance.

Noah Gragson finds a new home at Front Row Motorsports, driving the No. 4 Ford. He continues his collaboration with Drew Blickensderfer, who joins from the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing. This continuity in leadership is expected to enhance Gragson’s shift and performance.

Chase Briscoe moves to Joe Gibbs Racing, taking the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota, where he is paired with crew chief James Small. This new partnership is anticipated to bring fresh dynamics to the team, leveraging Small’s tactical insight and Briscoe’s driving skill.

Meanwhile, Josh Berry becomes the latest talent to join Wood Brothers Racing, piloting the iconic No. 21 Ford. He works alongside Miles Stanley as crew chief, marking a new era for the team and adding to the storied legacy of the No. 21.

Riley Herbst steps into an expanded role at 23XI Racing, now operating three cars. Herbst, driving with sponsorship from Monster Energy, continues his collaboration with Davin Restivo, maintaining a familiar working relationship that could prove beneficial.

Additionally, Ryan Preece joins RFK Racing as the additional driver, taking command of the No. 60 Ford. His entry into a three-car team structure suggests tactical growth for RFK Racing.

Finally, Michael McDowell and Travis Peterson move to Spire Motorsports, while Shane van Gisbergen and crew chief Stephen Doran are set to compete for Trackhouse Racing in the No. 88 Chevrolet, promising exciting developments for the new season.

When NASCAR Took Over Japan in the 90s

Team Changes and New Crew Chief Appointments

Amidst a groundbreaking 2025 NASCAR season, several teams have implemented tactical changes, including new crew chief appointments that promise to reshape competitive dynamics.

Richard Childress Racing has appointed Richard Boswell as the new crew chief for Austin Dillon on the No. 3 Chevrolet, following Boswell’s tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing. This calculated move aims to strengthen Dillon’s performance on the track.

Spire Motorsports has enlisted Rodney Childers to oversee operations for Justin Haley, who returned to the No. 7 Chevrolet late last season. Childers’ experience is expected to improve the team’s competitive edge.

Meanwhile, Kaulig Racing has welcomed Ty Dillon to their ranks, choosing the No. 10 for him, with Andrew Dickeson stepping in as crew chief. Trent Owens has also reunited with AJ Allmendinger at Kaulig Racing, leading the No. 16 Chevrolet team.

Seasoned crew chief Chris Gayle has taken the helm for Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 Toyota team, while Chris Gabehart shifts to the role of competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing.

RFK Racing has appointed Jeremy Bullins to lead Brad Keselowski with the No. 6 Ford team, rekindling a successful partnership from their days at Team Penske.

Front Row Motorsports has expanded to three cars, with Todd Gilliland in the No. 34 Ford, under the guidance of Chris Lawson. Zane Smith returns in the No. 38 Ford, with Ryan Bergenty as crew chief.

Finally, the newly rebranded Hyak Motorsports continues with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the No. 47 Chevrolet, marking a new chapter for the team formerly known as JTG Daugherty Racing.

Schedule Changes and New Races

Kicking off the 2025 NASCAR season with excitement and tactical innovation, the schedule introduces remarkable changes and new races that promise to enrich the competitive landscape.

This year, NASCAR aims to improve the fan experience and challenge the skills of its drivers by incorporating fresh tracks and calculated adjustments to the race calendar.

The season begins at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina with the Cookout Clash, a two-day event occurring the initial weekend of February. A notable change is the inclusion of a practice session before single-car qualifying for the Daytona 500, allowing drivers to familiarize themselves with the track.

Spring brings new venues as the series visits Circuit of the Americas and Homestead-Miami Speedway, offering diverse racing conditions.

In June, NASCAR breaks new ground by taking the NASCAR Cup Series to Mexico City, expanding its international presence.

Moreover, the schedule includes a five-race, in-season tournament featuring:

  • Atlanta: Known for its high-speed excitement.
  • Chicago: Bringing urban flair to the race circuit.
  • Sonoma: Offering a challenging road course.
  • Dover: Famous for its concrete surface.
  • Indianapolis: A historic racing landmark.

As the season progresses, Daytona returns as the regular season finale, and Darlington resumes its role as the postseason opener.

Additionally, World Wide Technology Raceway and New Hampshire join the postseason lineup, adding a layer of calculated depth.

Broadcasting adjustments include FOX Sports covering key events, while Prime and TNT Sports provide extensive coverage throughout the season.

NASCAR Full Speed Season 2

Unanswered Questions and Potential Updates

As the 2025 NASCAR season approaches, several key uncertainties linger, potentially influencing both team strategies and fan engagement. One of the critical questions surrounds Ryan Preece, who has shifted to RFK Racing. The identity of his crew chief and supplementary partners remains undisclosed, a factor that could greatly impact his performance and the team’s dynamic. The anticipation surrounding this announcement adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.

In parallel, Denny Hamlin faces a sponsorship gap following FedEx’s departure, leaving 13 races without a primary sponsor for 2025. The search for a new sponsor or the extension of existing partnerships is essential for Hamlin’s plans, as this plays a key role in logistical and financial support.

Speculation also surrounds Rick Ware Racing‘s No. 51 car. While Cody Ware is the expected driver, formal confirmation is absent. The team, holding one charter after leasing another to RFK Racing, must finalize its lineup promptly to guarantee competitive readiness.

Front Row Motorsports is likewise on the lookout for supplementary partners for drivers Noah Gragson and Zane Smith, while Spire Motorsports seeks partnerships for Michael McDowell, suggesting a bustling sponsorship market.

Lastly, the Rookie of the Year candidates remain unidentified. While Shane van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst are likely contenders, NASCAR’s case-by-case evaluation process means announcements could extend into the season, adding an element of surprise.

These unresolved elements not only heighten anticipation but also highlight the dynamic nature of the NASCAR landscape, where tactical decisions will play a decisive role in shaping the competitive field.

The Start of the 2025 Season

The 2025 NASCAR season revs up with the highly anticipated Clash event, marking the beginning of a new chapter in stock car racing. This annual exhibition race serves as a tantalizing preview of what’s to come, spotlighting fresh talent and new team dynamics. The event kicks off with a practice and qualifying session on Saturday, February 1, setting the stage for an exhilarating weekend.

The initial on-track action comprises several key components:

  • Practice and Qualifying: Drivers and teams fine-tune their strategies, aiming for peak performance.
  • Heat Races: These short, intense contests determine the starting positions for the main event, providing early excitement.
  • Last Chance Race: Held on Sunday, February 2, this race offers one final opportunity for drivers to secure a spot in the main event.
  • Main Event: The highlight of the weekend, where top performers compete for the coveted Clash victory.

This structured approach guarantees that the Clash not only tests the drivers’ skills but also the adaptability of teams to the evolving dynamics of NASCAR racing.

The weekend’s schedule provides an extensive framework for evaluating new drivers, crew chiefs, and team strategies, all critical elements in the pursuit of success in the 2025 season.

As the engines roar to life, fans and teams similarly focus on the unfolding drama, keen to witness the impact of offseason changes.

With new alliances formed and strategies tested, the Clash represents a microcosm of the challenges and successes that will define the year ahead in NASCAR.

NASCAR 2024's Most Financially-Loaded Races

News in Brief: 2025 NASCAR Season Brings Unexpected Changes

The 2025 NASCAR season introduces noteworthy transformations, including new drivers, crew chiefs, and teams, which are poised to impact the competitive landscape. Adjustments in the racing schedule, with the introduction of new races, further add to the season’s dynamic nature.

Despite these changes, many questions remain unanswered, which could lead to further developments as the season progresses. The beginning of the 2025 season marks a crucial moment for NASCAR, setting the stage for potential shifts in the sport’s future path.

ALSO READ: NASCAR Cup Series Teams Poised to Stand Tall in 2025, Featuring Team Penske

RELATED ARTICLES
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Follow Us

Most Recent