Other than a couple of court cases that could turn NASCAR upside down like a car flying through the field in the “the big one”, the NASCAR “Silly Season” has been fairly quiet at the playoffs begin for two of the three series.
In July, Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suarez announced that they would be parting ways at the end of the 2025 season. As the playoffs are set to begin this weekend at Darlington Raceway, Suarez is still “on the bubble” as to what he will be doing next season.
With the announcement of Suarez’ departure, Trackhouse Racing has announced that Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch will be taking over the driving duties for Suarez’ vacated spot. It is not known at this time whether Zilisch will drive the number 99 that Suarez drove or the number 87 car Zilisch drove in a few of the Cup Series races.
While his racing team with Michael Jordan – 23XI Racing – Denny Hamlin’s future may be in question but his driving duties has been secured for at least the few years after Hamlin signed a multi-year deal with owner Joe Gibbs Racing to remain in the number eleven car.
William Byron has also secured his immediate future after signing a four year deal with car owner Hendrick Motorsports.
After an impressive rookie season that made him the first rookie to win four races and be in the playoffs, New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen has secured his future for the next few years after signing a contract extension with Trackhouse Racing.
Earlier this season, Ram announced that they would be returning to the Craftsman Truck Series. Last week, Kaulig Racing announced that they would be joining the Truck Series and will be running Ram trucks.
After three championships and some 25 years behind the wheel of the number 88 truck, Matt Crafton has announced his retirement from full time driving.
Thor Sport has announced that Ty Majeski will be moving from the 98 truck to take over the driving duties for the number 88 truck.
Thor Sport has not named a new driver for the 98 truck as of yet.