So far, the 2026 NASCAR Silly Season has been fairly quiet with just a few drivers learning they will not be returning to their current ride next year. And one driver announced his impending retirement; while another driver rescinded his possible retirement and traded it for a multi-year contract extension.
What we know so far as teams begin preparing for the playoffs…
Driving the Hendrick Motorsports number 48 car, Alex Bowman announced that the 2027 season would be his last as a full time drivers. Still in his mid 30’s, Bowman stated that there are things he wants to do in his life that he cannot do and race full time.
RFK Racing driver of the 60 car Ryan Preece
RFK Racing driver of the number 17 car Chris Buescher
Front Row Motorsports driver of the 34 car Todd Gilliland
Hyak Motorsports driver of the 47 car Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Team Penske driver of the number 12 car Ryan Blaney
Kaulig Racing driver of the 16 car AJ Allmendinger
23XI Racing driver of the 45 car Tyler Reddick
Hendrick Motorsports driver of the 5 car Kyle Larsson
Spire Motorsports driver of the 77 car Carson Hocevar
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Joe Gibbs Racing driver of the 54 car Taylor Gray
…have all announced a return to their current teams and cars next season with several signing multi-year extensions.
O’Reilly Auto Parts reigning champion Jesse Love is moving up to the Cup Series to drive the Wood Brothers number 21 car. The team had announced earlier in the year that driver Josh Berry would not be returning to the car next season.
After announcing that Riley Herbst would not be returning to the 23XI Racing number 35 car next season. Last year’s Craftsman Truck Series champion Corey Heim will be taking over the driving duties in the 35 car beginning next season.
Signing on a group of new investors, Legacy Motor Club has announced that they will be expanding to a three car team in the NASCAR Cup Series next season; but have yet to announce the number of the car or who will be joining John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones on the team.
Previously Jimmie Johnson has announced that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final race. Owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick has said that he will allow Johnson to drive his final race in the 48 car.
In the Craftsman Truck Series, driver of the 38 Front Row Motorsport truck, Chandler Smith will not be returning to the team next season.
So far…
Josh Berry
Riley Herbst
Chandler Smith
…do not know if or where they will be driving next season.