The exit of Stewart-Haas Racing in the 2025 season has created uncertainty for their drivers. On the other hand, it has also enabled other NASCAR teams to expand their driver lineups. Stewart-Haas had four charters in the Cup Series. Out of these, they have decided to retain one and run a team called Haas Factory Team. Xfinity Series defending champion Cole Custer will be piloting the one-car team in 2025.

As for the other three charters, Front Row Motorsports quickly secured one of them. Justin Marks’ Trackhouse Racing and Michael Jordan’s 23XI are eyeing the remaining two. While Trackhouse plans to bring SVG into the Cup, 23XI seems to have dropped out of the race, as NASCAR has not yet made amendments to the current charter agreement, as was demanded by 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin. SHR’s Ryan Preece was left out after 23XI was rumored to have dropped expansion plans. Preece could have secured the third seat there. However, there are new hopes for him as Brad Keselowski might be interested in expansion.

23XI’s possible charter might go to Roush Fenway Racing

According to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, RFK Racing is reportedly close to securing a major sponsorship deal with Kroger. If finalized, this partnership would reunite Kroger with driver Chris Buescher, who previously represented the grocery chain while at JTG Daugherty Racing. The retailing giant Kroger has a net worth of $3.219 trillion. Industry insiders suggest that this deal could lead to RFK expanding its team to three full-time cars. If RFK buys the charter, what about 23XI’s expansion plans?

Denny Hamlin would have to give up his fight for a new charter agreement, where NASCAR teams are demanding more control and a larger share of the sport’s profits. Their requests have intensified since NASCAR secured a massive $7.7 billion media rights deal last year. Teams are seeking permanent charter agreements and a bigger piece of the revenue pie, which is currently dominated by NASCAR. The rising costs of competing have also become a major point of contention, with some teams claiming it costs upwards of $18 million per car per season.

Let’s assume that 23XI loses the tussle with RFK for the final charter of SHR. Who would be the third driver for the team? SBJ’s Adam Stern has named Ryan Preece in an X post. Will RFK take Stern’s hint? It depends on the performance of Preece. In a recent video, NASCAR Analyst Eric Estepp discussed whether Preece is the right choice for RFK or not. He said, “The guy has two Truck Series wins in 12 part-time starts in recent Seasons he’s won a couple of Xfinity series races back in the day Racing part-time for Joe Gibbs. But in Cup the stat sheet has not been kind to Ryan Preece.” Since his debut in 2015, Preece has not managed to get a single win in the Cup Series. Even in the current season, he’s in the 26th position in points, with only two top-10s and one top-5 finish.

Despite Preece’s average stats, RFK might benefit from getting him, as a new team and crew chief might tap into the potential he has. Estepp, along the same lines, said, “If Ryan Preece does end up at RFK racing I don’t expect fans to jump out of their seats and cheer give a standing ovation. But he is a veteran driver and a hard worker in the right situation I do believe there’s a lot of good Ryan Preece can bring to a competitive race team. and when you look at who else is available I don’t think Ryan Preece is a terrible choice.” Hopefully, Preece gets a seat at RFK, as he is the only one remaining to get one from SHR in the Cup Series.

Where are the other drivers of SHR going?

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Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have committed to the team for multiple seasons, starting in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series in 2025. They will be part of the newly formed Haas Factory Team. Current Xfinity Series table-topper Cole Custer has been promoted to a second chance in the Cup Series. He would be looking to continue his dominating performance in Xfinity going into the 2025 Cup Series. As for Riley Herbst, things seem uncertain. There were rumors of him going to the Cup with 23XI. Hamlin had shown interest in his driving skills. However, that possibility seems to have disappeared if they didn’t buy the third charter. Time will tell where he goes.

Chase Briscoe was the first to get a seat. He moved to Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2025 season, taking the reins of the No. 19 Toyota from the retiring Martin Truex Jr. Josh Berry from SHR will take the wheel of the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing in 2025. Berry will join a distinguished roster of legendary drivers who have raced for the historic Wood Brothers team. Noah Gragson, in the #10, has been signed by Front Row Motorsports in a multiyear deal. With all these switches, the 2025 season is going to be thrilling.

What do you think is the future of Herbst and Preece? Let us know in the comments below.