With 18 races in the books, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series has hit its halfway point—but while fans focus on the playoff picture, team owners are quietly making decisions that will shape next season’s grid. Silly season is alive and well. And although some of the sport’s biggest stars are locked into deals for 2026, several high-profile names remain in flux.
From young talent knocking on the Cup Series door to veterans trying to hold onto their seats, here are five key silly season developments that could define NASCAR’s next chapter.
Will Daniel Suárez Stay at Trackhouse Racing?
While not officially on the hot seat, Daniel Suárez’s results in 2025 haven’t helped his case. Now in his fifth season with Trackhouse Racing, the 32-year-old Mexican driver is buried deep in the points standings—29th after 18 races—with an average finish of 21.4.
Trackhouse has long prided itself on innovation and progress, and Suárez has been part of the team since its launch. But in a results-driven sport, patience only lasts so long. If Suárez can’t find consistency down the stretch, it’s possible Trackhouse could look in a different direction for 2026.
With Project91 giving rising talent a pathway into the Cup Series, and Trackhouse affiliated with several strong Xfinity drivers, the organization may have options waiting in the wings. If a split happens, Suárez would immediately become a free agent worth watching—especially for mid-tier teams seeking international marketability and experience.
Is Connor Zilisch the Future of Trackhouse’s No. 99?
Speaking of options, 17-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch has made waves in 2025—and could be next in line if Suárez doesn’t return. Zilisch, who races full-time in the Xfinity Series with the No. 88 Chevrolet, has already scored two victories this season and is currently fifth in the standings.
He’s also dipped into Cup Series competition with a part-time schedule under the Trackhouse banner, positioning him perfectly for a full-time call-up. With his raw speed, confident style, and fast learning curve, Zilisch fits the modern NASCAR mold.
Trackhouse could see Zilisch as a long-term investment and a natural successor for the No. 99 car. If that move happens, it wouldn’t just be a change of drivers—it would signal a generational shift.
Ty Dillon’s Quiet but Solid Campaign Could Earn Him Another Year
While some drivers are scrambling for job security, Ty Dillon has quietly made a solid case to stay at Kaulig Racing in 2026. The 32-year-old joined the team this year to pilot the No. 10 Chevrolet, and while he hasn’t lit up the leaderboard, he’s delivered what Kaulig seems to value most: reliability.
Dillon has posted a top-10 finish and maintains a 22.8 average through 18 starts. Kaulig may be building for long-term growth, but stability matters, and Dillon brings that. According to reports from Bob Pockrass, talks are already underway regarding a potential contract extension.
Unless Kaulig decides to make a splash with a new face, don’t be surprised if Dillon is back in the No. 10 next season.
Corey Heim’s Time in Trucks May Be Ending Soon
Corey Heim has had a breakout year in the Craftsman Truck Series—and it’s only a matter of time before he’s racing full-time at the Cup level. The 22-year-old driver has five wins already and leads the Truck Series standings by more than 100 points.
Heim has also taken on part-time Cup duties with 23XI Racing, showing maturity and speed in his limited outings. The combination of Cup experience and lower-series dominance has made him one of the top prospects in the sport.
There are multiple paths forward for Heim: 23XI could expand to a fourth full-time car, or they may opt to replace an existing driver. Either way, his Cup future appears to be on the horizon. If he wraps up a Truck title in dominant fashion, Heim could be one of 2026’s biggest rookie stories.
A.J. Allmendinger Continues to Prove He Belongs in Cup
One of the more pleasant surprises of 2025 has been A.J. Allmendinger’s strong return to full-time Cup racing. After a brief return to the Xfinity Series in 2024, Allmendinger came back to the Cup ranks with Kaulig Racing and has exceeded expectations.
Through 18 races, he’s 17th in points—just below the playoff cutoff line—and has one top-five finish to go along with a 19.8 average result. He’s shown flashes of brilliance on road courses, but more importantly, he’s stayed consistent and competitive at a wide range of tracks.
Sources suggest Kaulig is likely to retain its current lineup for 2026, meaning Allmendinger’s place seems secure. While he’s no longer a young gun, the veteran still offers value and savvy—especially in an era where multi-surface adaptability is key.
News in Brief: Five Rumors That Could Reshape 2026 Cup Series
The NASCAR silly season always brings surprises—and 2026 could feature one of the most interesting shakeups in recent memory. Daniel Suárez may be nearing the end of his Trackhouse tenure, opening the door for a young star like Connor Zilisch. Ty Dillon could lock in another year with Kaulig, while A.J. Allmendinger’s Cup resurgence continues.
And with Corey Heim poised to move up from Trucks, the next generation of NASCAR stars is knocking louder than ever.
As the second half of the 2025 season unfolds, these storylines will gain traction—and more rumors are sure to follow. Whether you’re rooting for a veteran comeback or a rookie breakthrough, one thing’s for sure: the 2026 grid will not look the same.
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