The 2024 season is shaping up to be one for the underdogs, with both Spire Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing making big moves to bring in talented drivers to secure their respective futures. On the other hand, while Kaulig Racing has shown a few signs of promise throughout their full-time Cup Series tenure that is now entering its third season, some changes made by the team have brought into question Matt Kaulig’s plans for the long term.

With various teams looking to secure charters for the coming seasons, could this be a prime time for Kaulig Racing to sacrifice one of its charters to benefit the rest of its campaign? While the team’s Xfinity Series lineup seems safe and secure with AJ Allmendinger and Josh Williams leading the charge, will their Cup Series venture with Daniel Hemric as their only full-time driver pay off?

Matt Kaulig doesn’t think selling a charter is the solution but is he right?

Back when Live Fast Motorsports sold its charter to Spire Motorsports for over $40 million, the entire NASCAR community realized just how valuable a charter could be. After all, without one, a team would not be guaranteed entry into every points race in the Cup Series. While Kaulig Racing has had no trouble getting funds from owner Matt Kaulig’s business ventures, the departure of AJ Allmendinger to the Xfinity Series means the financial situation isn’t as sound as most would like it to be.

In such a situation, it would only be fair for Kaulig to sacrifice one of its charters that clearly isn’t being utilized to its complete potential. A charter sale with the current market would not only bring in much-needed capital but would also inevitably force the organization to focus on a smaller operation, thereby getting things under control more efficiently. However, if the team president’s opinion on Matt Kaulig’s intentions is to be considered, they are showing no signs of backing down.

In a recent interview with Dave Moody, Chris Rice dismissed any rumors of Kaulig Racing selling its charter in the near future. He shared that the team was always open to partnerships like the one they have with Trackhouse Racing, but the president didn’t “foresee Matt looking to sell in the next 24 months.” While this might mean there will be no major changes over the next two seasons, it leaves the window post-2025 open to the unknown.

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If we take a look at Kaulig Racing’s direct competition, it’s safe to say Matt Kaulig’s side is lagging by quite a margin. Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing has pulled out all the stops to set up a magnificent workshop for future charters, and even their partner, Trackhouse Racing, has two full-time drivers plus a part-timer under contract. With Legacy Motor Club also looking to make the most of the new season, can Kaulig Racing truly deliver?

Can Daniel Hemric lead Kaulig Racing to glory?

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Now that AJ Allmendinger has moved over to the Xfinity Series, the brunt of the work lies on Daniel Hemric’s shoulders. While Hemric might be a newcomer at Kaulig, his prior full-time Cup Series experience driving for Richard Childress Racing in 2019 paired with his Rookie of the Year award makes the new driver of the #31 Chevrolet quite the formidable force.

While Hemric was once desperate to get a full-time shot at the Cup Series, his shenanigans in the Xfinity Series prove he has what it takes to propel Kaulig Racing to new heights. Not only did Hemric finish the season in the eighth spot in the driver standings but he also managed consistent top tens and a handful of top fives. After a long four-season break from the Cup Series, his return will definitely ruffle some feathers.

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However, not all is fairytales and roses, as the departure of former crew chief Matt Swiderski and driver Justin Haley to Rick Ware Racing means the team will have to rebuild from within. While it will not be surprising if Hemric and the #31 finish the 2024 season in the top 20, one question remains. Could the team do drastically better by giving up one charter to pursue a unified Cup challenge?