What is sport if not for big names and big teams? In all major sports, there exists a top few, because of the inevitable hierarchy that emerges. Be it the NBA which has got its titans from time to time or the NFL which boasts such giants who pose as serious contenders year on year. The point is that it would be an anomaly if all the teams suddenly become glory contenders as in the case of NASCAR, it too, has long had its giants.

These giants consistently dominate on and off the track, with performance, budgets, star power, and in many more aspects. For years, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) was one of those titans from the ‘Big-4’. However, the sudden exit of Tony Stewart has left a gaping void at the top of NASCAR’s food chain. A new battle seems to be brewing as RFK Racing, 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing, are gearing up to establish themselves as the next big thing in the sport.

Stewart-Haas Racing’s collapse and the aftermath in NASCAR

Historically, NASCAR had the opportunity to platform big names and big teams over multiple eras. Now, after many years had gone by, there are iconic teams who have packed their bags and many new teams who are already on track to become bigger than they could imagine. Such was the honor of NASCAR who honed these diamonds in the rough. That is your Hendricks, the Gibbs and Penskes of the world. Another one of those from the Big 4 was Tony Stewart’s Stewart-Haas Racing.

However, Tony Stewart’s departure and SHR shutting down marked the end of an era in NASCAR. Once a juggernaut with championships to its name and a roster of elite drivers like Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer, SHR saw its legacy dwindle in recent times. Tensions built up and boiled over behind the scenes as Stewart’s ambitions clashed with co-owner Gene Haas over management decisions, sponsorship strategies, and driver recruitment. All this led to the team’s bad performance, which led to a final breakup that left a huge void in the sport.

With Tony Stewart gone, SHR is going through an identity crisis. For now, Gene Haas has separated himself from Tony Stewart with the re-branding of the team, which now goes by Haas Factory Team. Previously SHR at last had become Harvick’s retirement home, which had further eroded their status as a top-tier team, and their inability to secure competitive replacements. These results led to a few more things and at last SHR’s exit had left a power vacuum at the top of NASCAR’s hierarchy. SHR’s fall from grace has also reshaped the dynamics of the Cup Series grid, opening the doors for ambitious teams to fill the void.

With Smoke now gone, and Haas struggling to maintain levels, it’s time that NASCAR crowns its final piece in the Big 4 puzzle. One serious contender that comes to mind is RFK Racing. The team is led by Brad Keselowski and co-owner Jack Roush, RFK Racing has undergone some serious transformation in the last two seasons. Once seen as a fading legacy team, Keselowski’s entry into the leadership has given the team a new lifeline. Their consistent performance and commitment to innovation have positioned RFK as a legitimate contender for a spot among NASCAR’s elite. With a third charter and Kroger coming on as a new sponsor, things are looking up for RFK.

Speaking of big wigs, who can be bigger than 23XI as it stands right now, with star-studded ownership and backing of NBA legend Michael Jordan and legendary driver Denny Hamlin himself? As for the team, 23XI Racing has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with within just 5 years of being in the sport. The team’s rapid rise, combined with its star-studded ownership and driver lineup, has made it a fan favorite. With Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick behind the wheel, 23XI has both the talent and the resources to solidify its place in NASCAR’s top of the ladder. Reddick even made it to the playoffs this season after his Regular Season win was a massive moment for the team.

To throw in a wild card, let’s entertain the idea of Trackhouse Racing being the next big thing. But to be honest, they have been a revelation since they entered into NASCAR. Their unique modern approach of blending bold marketing strategies with strong on-track performance has truly made them a viable contender. The team led by Justin Marks and featuring drivers like Ross Chastain, has shown it can compete with the best. Their innovative approach of racking in foreign talent and commitment to sustainability has also earned them a unique place in the sport’s future.

What’s next for these contenders in NASCAR ?

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While RFK, 23XI and Trackhouse are the front-runners to fill the void left by SHR, other teams could emerge as surprise contenders. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has had some flash in the pans with the brilliance of Kyle Busch, and Legacy Motor Club, launched under the enigma Jimmie Johnson’s guidance, could stage a resurgence in coming seasons.

However, questions remain about who can truly dominate in a way that SHR once did. NASCAR’s current competitive balance means no single team can easily monopolize the top along with HMS, JGR, and Penske. However, the battle to claim a seat at the Big 4 table is most definitely heating up.

As the 2025 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which team rises to the occasion. Will it be RFK Racing with Keselowski’s leadership, or can Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing capture the magic of its basketball roots? Could Trackhouse Racing’s innovative approach lead to sustained success, or will Front Row Motorsports surprise everyone and climb the ranks?

One thing is certain, with Tony Stewart’s exit, the new charters and broadening of teams have caused a shift in NASCAR’s landscape, and the race to fill the power vacuum will define this new era of competition.