Search

Partner

We have officially reached the point in the year where rumors begin to swirl about the futures of drivers and race teams, and announcements regarding the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign start to be revealed. There have been some major moves in recent years, but this year’s silly season appears to be more subdued than usual.

Here are some of the major storylines:

• Haley on The Hot Seat?
  • After moving to Spire Motorsports for the final handful of events in 2024 (from Rick Ware Racing), Justin Haley hasn’t had an amazing 2025 season in the No. 7 Chevrolet. Rodney Childers left the team early in the year, and Haley’s entry hasn’t been running as good as his teammates have. Could this spell trouble for the Winimac, Indiana-native?
• The Trackhouse Decision
  • Coming into 2025, there was an obvious crossroads for Trackhouse Racing: continue promoting generational talent Connor Zilisch, or stay with its current three-car lineup? With room for only three drivers, one would be on the outside looking in. Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suarez will part ways at the end of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign. Connor Zilisch is expected to be promoted to NASCAR’s top level.
• Will Suarez Continue Cup Racing?
  • The decision was no doubt a difficult one, but after the constant buzz of rumors surrounding Suarez and Trackhouse Racing parting ways, the bomb has finally gone off. Now, the question is, can Suarez remain a NASCAR Cup Series driver? There aren’t many options left in the Cup Series, but funding will play a key role in whether or not he can secure a ride.
• The Charter Conundrum
  • At this point last season, it was well-known that there would be four charters available for teams to snatch up (due to Stewart-Haas Racing shutting down). Now, whether or not there are charters available depends on the outcome of two different lawsuits  (an antitrust lawsuit between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR, and a charter ownership dispute involving Rick Ware Racing and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB).

2026 NASCAR Cup Series ROTY Contenders:

• #88 – Connor Zilisch – Trackhouse Racing (Expected)

CHARTERED ENTRIES:

As of August 7, 2025, just 30 charters are being actively used in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The other six charters, which were initially registered under the ownership of Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing to start the year, are subject to change hands due to an ongoing antitrust lawsuit between the two teams and NASCAR.

With the trial scheduled to happen on December 1, the fate of those remaining charters is still in limbo.

NOTE: The 30 teams currently listed as Chartered Entries below are those in possession of a NASCAR Cup Series charter for 2025, or teams rumored/confirmed to have possession of a charter for 2026.

OPEN ENTRIES:

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tiktok

Join Newsletter

Quick Links

Partners