As the Hyak Motorsports 2026 season preview approaches, the team prepares for their second year under the rebranded name, aiming for significant gains in the NASCAR Cup Series. Last season, operating as Hyak Motorsports after the change from JTG Daugherty Racing, the No. 47 Chevrolet, led by veteran Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and crew chief Mike Kelley, finished 30th in the standings, highlighting a clear desire for improvements in the new campaign. The Hyak Motorsports 2026 season preview places a spotlight on their determination after a challenging 2025 season.
Reviewing Last Season’s Performance and Strategic Strengths
Hyak Motorsports, using Chevrolet vehicles and Hendrick Motorsports engines, saw its only top-five finish in 2025 at the EchoPark Speedway spring race, where the No. 47 finished fifth. The organization’s strength has traditionally been at drafting-style tracks, showcased by their 2024 Cup Series win at the Talladega fall event. As the 2026 season begins, there is anticipation for the team to remain competitive at high-speed superspeedways like Daytona, Talladega, and EchoPark Speedway—venues where Hyak’s cars have shown notable speed.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Prepares for a Comeback
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., in his sixth season with Hyak and drawing on 13 years of full-time Cup Series experience and 472 career starts, encountered considerable adversity in 2025. Last season, the Olive Branch, Mississippi native finished 30th in the standings, recording no wins, just one top-five (at EchoPark), three top-10s, and leading only eight laps. Compared to his 2024 stats, Stenhouse had five fewer top-five and top-10 finishes, signaling the depth of challenges faced during his 2025 campaign. Notably, he also found himself in the headlines due to a continuing on-track feud with Carson Hocevar of Spire Motorsports that stirred added attention throughout the season.
Stenhouse Eyes Early-Season Momentum at Key Tracks
The upcoming season gives Stenhouse a fresh opportunity to turn the page and set his sights on Victory Lane once again. He seeks to rebound from back-to-back years without a playoff berth and end a winless streak that lasted through all of 2025. There is cautious optimism that early-season races at Daytona and EchoPark could serve as springboards for a stronger year, especially given Stenhouse’s record at such tracks. He famously secured his second Harley J. Earl Trophy with a victory at the 2023 Daytona 500, and his consistent performance on drafting circuits suggests he remains a contender for early success in the 2026 campaign.
What’s Ahead for Hyak Motorsports in 2026?
The 2026 season is pivotal for Hyak Motorsports, as the team aims to capitalize on their technical partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and the skills of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to improve on last year’s results. With the opening races at Daytona and EchoPark Speedway, both considered strongholds for Stenhouse, there’s hope for early points and momentum. Success in these events could not only boost the driver’s confidence but might also set the tone for the organization as it seeks to reassert itself in NASCAR’s competitive Cup Series field.
