The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series promises an exciting shakeup, with several major driver and crew chief combinations changing across top teams as preparations ramp up for the 78th season of stock car racing in the United States. With all eyes on the evolving rosters, the season’s opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 will see teams and fans adapting to significant NASCAR Cup Series 2026 changes.
Chastain Begins Fifth Season Amid Leadership Change at Trackhouse Racing
Ross Chastain returns for his fifth year piloting the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 under Trackhouse Racing, aiming to add to his landmark 2022 win—which was both his and the team’s first triumph in the series. For 2026, he will work alongside a new crew chief, Brandon McSwain. McSwain previously served as a race engineer for William Byron, achieving an impressive tally of 16 victories in his career. The former crew chief, Phil Surgen, transitions to another position within the organization, setting up a refreshed leadership dynamic for Chastain.
Daniel Suarez Moves to Spire Motorsports With New Crew Chief
After five seasons with Trackhouse Racing, Daniel Suarez, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, will join Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet, filling in for Justin Haley. This move reunites Suarez with Ryan Sparks as his crew chief, while Matt McCall steps in as the organization’s Cup Series competition director. Sparks brings considerable experience, having previously acted as competition director and interim crew chief for a former Xfinity Series champion, further solidifying the team’s leadership for the coming season.
Kyle Busch Gets a New Partner in Richard Childress Racing’s Pit Box
2026 marks Kyle Busch’s third full run with Richard Childress Racing, but his first season collaborating with Jim Pohlman as crew chief. Pohlman joins after a three-year stint guiding Justin Allgaier in the Xfinity Series, bringing a fresh approach and proven talent to the No. 8 team.
“Jim Pohlman is a relentless competitor in the garage and fits in well with our mission and approach at RCR. He was well-respected during his previous tenure in Welcome, and we know that he will do a great job leading the No. 8 team and Kyle Busch.”
– Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing
Randall Burnett, Busch’s former crew chief, will shift to a different position within the racing world, marking another layer of change for Richard Childress Racing’s internal structure.
Legacy Motor Club Appoints Justin Alexander as Erik Jones’ Crew Chief
Justin Alexander is set to take over pit duties for Erik Jones, who drives the No. 43 for Legacy Motor Club Toyota in 2026, replacing former crew chief Ben Beshore.
“We’re continuing to evolve and refine every part of our race program, and Justin is a tremendous addition to our crew chief lineup. His experience, communication style, and leadership align perfectly with the direction we’re headed.”
– Jimmie Johnson, Owner, Legacy Motor Club and former NASCAR driver
Beshore remains integral to the operation, stepping into the role of race engineering director and providing technical expertise behind the scenes.
Rick Ware Racing Switches to Chevrolet, Cody Ware Debuts New Car
Cody Ware keeps continuity atop his pit box for 2026 but takes the wheel of a new model as Rick Ware Racing transitions to Chevrolet. The team’s newest technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing is expected to bolster their competitive edge in the season ahead.
Connor Zilisch to Drive Full-Time for Trackhouse Racing With Familiar Leadership
Connor Zilisch advances to a full-time seat at Trackhouse Racing after driving for JR Motorsports in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Notably, he will be guided by Randal Burnett, who previously partnered with Kyle Busch at Richard Childress Racing. This pairing brings veteran expertise to Zilisch’s debut full-season campaign.
What These Changes Mean for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series
As the NASCAR Cup Series enters its 78th year, the flurry of driver and crew chief moves signals a refresh among both established and rising teams. The leadership shifts for names like Chastain, Suarez, Busch, Jones, Ware, and Zilisch are poised to influence race outcomes and team strategies throughout the 2026 schedule. Fans and analysts alike anticipate how these NASCAR Cup Series 2026 changes will shape the competitive dynamics, as teams such as Trackhouse Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Spire Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and Rick Ware Racing look to optimize their performance and chase glory after significant transformations in their lineups.
