When NASCAR returns to the track next year, there will be a lot of changes in the racing paddock. Stewart-Haas Racing is gone and has been replaced with the single car Haas Manufacturing Team, 23XI and Trackhouse Racing have expanded their teams, and an old team returns with a new name and owner.
Principal team owner Gordon Smith has rebranded JTG Daughterty Racing Hyak Motorsports. Brad Daugherty, Mark Hughes and Ernie Cope remain as minority owners; as does the number 47 car and Ricky Stenhouse Jr as the driver.
The team will continue to their commitment of advancing the team’s legacy – on and off the track.
Hyak means FAST in Chinook.
Gordon Smith spoke on ownership of the team saying, “becoming the owner of Hyak Motorsports brings an exciting opportunity. I look forward to building on the team’s accomplishments, investing in its future, and driving toward new successes in partnership with our fans, sponsors, and team members.”
For Hyak, the 2025 season begins with the Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Co-owner and part time NBC broadcaster Brad Daugherty added, “I’m really excited about 2025 as our company continues to evolve. Our goal is to compete and win races at the highest level of NASCAR. The name change signifies that commitment and desire to be our very best.”
Co-owner Ernie Cope continued, “2025 will begin a new era for this company. We’re still committed to being a winning tea m with Ricky and the entire number 47 crew. This is just the next step in elevating the team to another level.”
Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr spoke on the new name saying, “rebranding a team can be exciting. I’m looking forward to continuing building this team up with a lot of the same great crew members we have had here. I’m focused on the competition side and getting our performance back that we had in 2023. We learned a lot in 2024 and we’re ready to get back to the track.”