HomeNASCAR NewsNASCAR Drivers NewsNASCAR Driver’s Run Ends with Midseason Split from Team

NASCAR Driver’s Run Ends with Midseason Split from Team

Kris Wright’s time with Our Motorsports has come to an unexpected end. After months of challenges, the driver and team have officially split just past the halfway point of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Their decision, confirmed on July 15, wasn’t driven by one moment but by a string of underwhelming results that left both sides searching for something more.

Key Highlights

  • Kris Wright and Our Motorsports parted ways on July 15, 2025.

  • Wright had an average finish of 27th across 2025.

  • Best finish of the year was 9th at Martinsville.

  • Kaz Grala will drive the No. 5 at Dover.

  • A full-time replacement has not yet been named.

A Promising Start Falls Short

When Kris Wright joined Our Motorsports for the 2025 season, the move was seen as a bold opportunity for both the driver and the team. Wright had wrapped up a solid 2024 campaign in the ARCA Menards Series, finishing third in points and showing promise on road courses. Our Motorsports, meanwhile, was coming off a year of steady gains and looked to push further up the Xfinity Series grid. The partnership carried optimism from both ends.

“I am thrilled to join Our Motorsports for the 2025 season. I’m equally excited to make my return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and look forward to hitting the road for 33 weeks to take on the challenges of a full season together.” – Kris Wright

Unfortunately, the results never matched the expectations. Wright’s season began with mid-pack finishes and quickly turned frustrating. Through 19 races, he scored only three top-20s and logged a 27th-place average finish—among the lowest of all full-time drivers. At one point, he failed to qualify for the Chicago Street Race and later drew attention for a controversial incident involving Justin Allgaier at Texas.

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Breaking Point and Aftermath

The turning point may not have been one single race but rather the accumulation of underwhelming performances. Wright’s best result came with a ninth-place finish at Martinsville Speedway, but that run proved to be an outlier rather than a trend. While the team never issued a public ultimatum, momentum had clearly stalled.

Kaz Grala will fill the seat of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for this weekend’s BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway, but the team has not named a permanent replacement. With 13 races still remaining in the 2025 Xfinity Series season, there is time to test new talent or rotate through experienced substitutes.

Looking Ahead for Both Sides

For Our Motorsports, this is a critical moment. A family-owned organization competing on limited resources, the team’s decision to make a midseason change speaks to its desire to stay competitive. Even in a year without playoff hopes, the final stretch offers valuable development time, both on track and within the garage.

Their decision to place Kaz Grala behind the wheel—at least for Dover—signals an interest in drivers who bring both experience and versatility. Grala, no stranger to NASCAR’s national ranks, offers a contrast to Wright’s trajectory. Whether he or another driver becomes the long-term answer remains to be seen.

Wright, meanwhile, faces uncertainty. The 29th-place position in points and multiple race incidents have dimmed what was a promising return to the Xfinity Series. His past success on road courses and in ARCA could still open doors, but his next move will likely depend on sponsorship backing or a shift in series. Regardless of where he lands, the parting with Our Motorsports marks a clear inflection point in his career.

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Recent NASCAR Xfinity Trends

Wright’s exit isn’t the only sign of change within the Xfinity Series this summer. As teams navigate a competitive field filled with rising prospects, proven veterans, and occasional Cup Series ringers, there is less room for developmental misfires. Every week, younger drivers like Connor Zilisch, William Sawalich, and Sam Mayer are showing top-tier speed and consistency. The pressure to perform—especially for mid-pack teams—has never been higher.

Our Motorsports has spent recent seasons walking the line between development and contention. That identity remains fluid, but as of now, their message is clear: results matter.

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News in Brief: Kris Wright 2025 NASCAR Split with Our Motorsports

Kris Wright and Our Motorsports have ended their partnership midway through the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season after a string of disappointing performances. Wright, who joined the team full-time this year, struggled with consistency and exits with an average finish of 27th and a high mark of ninth at Martinsville. Kaz Grala will take over the No. 5 car at Dover, while the team evaluates long-term options. Both parties emphasized mutual respect and left open the door for future opportunities elsewhere.

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