The departure of Stewart-Haas Racing from the 2025 season has introduced uncertainty for their drivers but has also created opportunities for other NASCAR teams to expand their rosters. Stewart-Haas, which previously had four charters in the Cup Series, has decided to keep one and will operate it under the name Haas Factory Team, with Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer set to drive for them in 2025.
Front Row Motorsports quickly secured one of the remaining three charters. Justin Marks’ Trackhouse Racing and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing are competing for the other two. While Trackhouse plans to bring SVG into the Cup Series, 23XI seems to have withdrawn from the race, as NASCAR has yet to revise the charter agreement as requested by 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin.
The charter that 23XI might have been interested in could now go to Roush Fenway Racing. According to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, RFK Racing is reportedly close to finalizing a major sponsorship deal with Kroger, which would reunite the retail giant with driver Chris Buescher, who previously drove for them at JTG Daugherty Racing. If this deal goes through, it could lead to RFK expanding to three full-time cars. In this scenario, if RFK acquires the charter, it might impact 23XI’s expansion plans.
Denny Hamlin would need to abandon his push for a revised charter agreement, which aims for greater control and a larger share of the sport’s profits for teams. This push has intensified following NASCAR’s $7.7 billion media rights deal last year. Teams are pushing for permanent charter agreements and a bigger share of revenue, which currently favors NASCAR. Additionally, the rising costs of competing, estimated at up to $18 million per car per season, have fueled this debate.
If 23XI misses out on the final charter to RFK, the question arises: who would be the third driver for RFK? Adam Stern has suggested Ryan Preece as a potential candidate. RFK’s decision may hinge on Preece’s performance. Despite this, Estepp believes Preece could still be a valuable addition to RFK if given the right opportunity and support.
