Two key Cup Series drivers who had significant influence over the NASCAR offseason have decided to stay put for at least another year. Alex Bowman, a Hendrick Motorsports driver, was one of the top names not yet signed for next year but confirmed on July 23 that he will return for the 2027 season, which will be his last full-time year before retirement. Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch, currently signed with Trackhouse Racing through 2027, is set to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2028 to take over Bowman’s seat.
Unforeseen events can always alter the landscape, such as the tragic passing of Kyle Busch on May 21, which created a profound gap beyond just his seat in the Cup Series. Austin Hill, who has been driving Busch’s car since his death, is expected to remain in that role in 2027.
Following announcements in early September by Legacy Motor Club about their upcoming lineup changes—with Riley Herbst driving the No. 84 car and Josh Berry replacing John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 42—we can take a closer look at each team’s status:
Joe Gibbs Racing:
Assuming no surprises, JGR’s roster will remain stable next season. Ty Gibbs, currently fourth in points, is staying on; Denny Hamlin (first), Chase Briscoe (fifth), and Christopher Bell (sixth) have extended contracts beyond 2026. The team is already planning for potential future changes, particularly anticipating Hamlin’s possible retirement after 2027. Development driver Brent Crews is the likely internal candidate to step into the Cup series in 2028.
23XI Racing:
Corey Heim, who has already achieved two victories this year on a part-time schedule, will take on a full-time ride, replacing Riley Herbst. Tyler Reddick, ranked fourth in points, extended his contract earlier this year, and despite initial uncertainty, Bubba Wallace (10th in standings) is expected to return for 2027. Herbst will drive for Legacy Motor Club next year.
Team Penske:
Ryan Blaney recently signed an extension, securing his place along with former champion Joey Logano, who currently sits eighth. Austin Cindric, ranked 14th, has indicated he has agreed to stay, though details remain private; he is confident fans will see him racing with Penske next season.
Hendrick Motorsports:
Chase Elliott (ninth), Kyle Larson (seventh), William Byron (16th), and Alex Bowman (29th) are all confirmed for next season. Zilisch is slated to replace Bowman in 2028, with Ally continuing as the primary sponsor for both the No. 48 and Zilisch’s future ride.
Spire Motorsports:
Carson Hocevar (12th) is secured long-term, but Michael McDowell and Daniel Suárez are not confirmed beyond 2026. Spire has been open to absorbing contract costs to get preferred drivers, but no suitable new driver has emerged so far. With Bowman staying at Hendrick, Spire’s lineup is likely to remain unchanged for 2027.
RFK Racing:
Ryan Preece (15th) had an uncertain future but was retained as RFK exercised his contract option. The team may have only two charters for 2027, as it leases one to Legacy Motor Club, but strong sponsorship from Kroger supports fielding an open car for Preece. Chris Buescher (11th) extended his contract, and Brad Keselowski (18th) plans to continue racing for RFK until he decides to retire, which he doesn’t anticipate happening anytime soon.
Trackhouse Racing:
All three drivers—Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and Connor Zilisch—are signed through the 2027 season. The organization’s challenge will be retaining Chastain and/or van Gisbergen beyond next year, as none qualified for the Chase this season, with van Gisbergen 17th, Chastain 20th, and Zilisch 34th in the standings.
Legacy Motor Club:
Erik Jones (21st) and John Hunter Nemechek (28th) were initially expected to return, but Nemechek was released, with Josh Berry announced as his replacement for 2027. Nemechek expressed disappointment but remains optimistic about his future. Legacy will field a third car next season, driven by Riley Herbst.
Kaulig Racing:
Neither AJ Allmendinger nor Ty Dillon is confirmed for 2027, although Allmendinger has an option to continue racing. The team struggles without manufacturer support, and while Dodge hopes to enter the Cup Series in 2027, it remains uncertain how that move could affect Dillon’s status. Allmendinger and Dillon currently rank 23rd and 33rd respectively.
Front Row Motorsports:
Todd Gilliland (22nd) signed a recent extension, joining Zane Smith (24th), who extended last year, and Noah Gragson (31st), who extended his contract in August that runs through 2027 with options to continue longer. This solidifies FRM’s driver lineup for 2027.
Hyak Motorsports:
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (27th) signed an extension in May and will remain with the team in 2027.
Richard Childress Racing:
Austin Dillon is expected to return next year, sitting 26th in points, while Austin Hill will continue driving the No. 33 car. Team owner Richard Childress praised Hill’s talents and development, calling him ready for this next step with RCR.
Haas Factory Team:
Cole Custer, currently 32nd in the standings, has struggled this season. Although the future is uncertain, Haas is not actively seeking to sell its charter and appears committed to finding better footing rather than making immediate driver changes.
Wood Brothers Racing:
Josh Berry will be replaced by Jesse Love, the defending O’Reilly Series champion who will be 22 in January. Wood Brothers President Jon Wood praised Love’s accomplishments and maturity, noting his ability to handle high expectations. Berry has secured a ride at Legacy Motor Club for 2027.
Rick Ware Racing:
Unless RWR is sold, Cody Ware, currently 35th in the standings, will continue with the team in 2027.
Fan Take: This offseason clarity brings much-needed stability to many NASCAR teams, setting the stage for intense competition in 2027 while also spotlighting new talent poised to shake up the field in the near future. Fans can look forward to witnessing not only seasoned veterans wrapping up their careers but also emerging stars like Connor Zilisch and Jesse Love stepping into prominent roles, ensuring that the sport remains dynamic and exciting.
Source: www.foxsports.com
