Will Brown’s long-awaited NASCAR Cup Series debut in Chicago ended in disappointment after an early crash cut his race short. Now, less than two months later, Kaulig Racing appears ready to give the Australian another opportunity—this time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Portland. While not yet confirmed, Brown’s potential return has become one of the sport’s most talked-about storylines as Kaulig reshapes its driver lineup for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Key Highlights
Will Brown crashed out early in his Cup debut in Chicago after two years of preparation for the race.
Kaulig Racing is considering Brown for its No. 11 Chevrolet at Portland on August 30.
The team has parted ways with full-time driver Josh Williams and will rotate drivers for the rest of the season.
Carson Hocevar, involved in Brown’s Chicago crash, is first in line to drive the No. 11 car at Iowa this weekend.
Portland could see two Australians in the field, with Jack Perkins already confirmed to compete.
Brown’s Tough Debut in Chicago
Will Brown’s Cup Series debut in July was meant to be a career highlight. The Australian had been working toward this opportunity for two years, bringing support from Triple Eight Racing and sponsors MobileX and Boost. However, his Chicago race ended on just the third lap when a multi-car crash—triggered by Carson Hocevar—took Brown out of contention before he could find his rhythm. The result was a crushing blow for a driver looking to make a mark on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Brown later admitted the disappointment was hard to take, given how long it took to piece the deal together. Despite the frustration, his name is once again linked to Kaulig Racing as the team reorganizes its Xfinity program following major changes this week.
Kaulig Resets Xfinity Lineup
Kaulig Racing announced its split from full-time Xfinity Series driver Josh Williams, opening the door for multiple drivers to fill the No. 11 Chevrolet for the rest of the season. The team stated that the remaining 12 races will see various drivers take turns in the car as they evaluate the program’s performance.
Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice explained that the shakeup is aimed at improving results after a lackluster season.
“We’ve got to get our Xfinity program back to where we’re contending for wins and trophy hunting. Looking at it over the next four weeks, I think it’s a pretty good lineup and I think everybody’s going to be surprised with the standalone race that’s coming up in Portland.” – Chris Rice
For now, Hocevar has been tapped to drive the car at Iowa, setting up an awkward twist given his role in the Chicago crash that ended Brown’s Cup debut. But Rice’s comments have fueled speculation that Brown could get the call for Portland, marking his first start in NASCAR since that ill-fated July afternoon.
Portland Could Feature Two Australians
If Brown’s return to NASCAR materializes, Portland could be a historic moment with two Australians competing in the same Xfinity race. Jack Perkins is already confirmed to drive a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota that weekend, and with Shane van Gisbergen committed to the Cup race at Darlington, the spotlight could shine on Brown and Perkins as they carry the Australian flag in the Xfinity Series.
Brown’s move would again be backed by his Triple Eight Racing partners and Peter Adderton of MobileX. It comes just as Brown announced a contract extension with Triple Eight through 2029, securing his Supercars future while leaving the door open for more NASCAR appearances.
Triple Eight teammate Broc Feeney has also expressed interest in NASCAR competition but was unable to secure a Kaulig deal for 2025. Looking ahead, the team’s switch from Chevrolet to Ford in 2026 could impact how both Brown and Feeney pursue future NASCAR opportunities.
News in Brief: Will Brown Linked to NASCAR Xfinity Series Return
Will Brown’s NASCAR return could be on the horizon as Kaulig Racing considers the Australian for its No. 11 Xfinity Series car at Portland on August 30. Brown’s Cup debut in Chicago ended in a lap-three crash, but team president Chris Rice hinted at a surprise lineup for Portland following Kaulig’s split with Josh Williams. Carson Hocevar will drive the No. 11 car this weekend at Iowa, while Jack Perkins is already confirmed for Portland.
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