During the offseason, the NASCAR Cup Series garage saw only a few moves, yet they sparked plenty of buzz. This year will highlight not only driver switches but also manufacturer partnerships and shifts in crew personnel, all of which are set to impact the 2026 season significantly.
Drivers on the Move
Daniel Suarez heads to Spire Motorsports: After five years with Trackhouse Racing, Daniel Suarez is making a change by joining Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet, taking over from Justin Haley, who transitions to Kaulig Racing’s Ram program in the Truck Series. This marks Suarez’s fifth Cup team throughout his career.
Connor Girish earns a promotion and changes car numbers: NASCAR’s rising star Girish is stepping up to the Cup Series, already securing Rookie of the Year status. He replaces Suarez at Trackhouse but will not drive the No. 99 car; instead, he inherits the No. 97 car, a number with personal meaning, having driven it throughout his racing career. Previously, Girish competed in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in the No. 88 and claimed 10 wins in his rookie year.
Shifting Manufacturer Alliances
Haas reunites with Hendrick and Chevrolet: Gene Haas is bringing the team back to Chevrolet in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. After downsizing to a single-car operation with Cole Custer in the No. 41, Haas is returning to its roots, as the team raced Chevrolets before switching to Ford following the 2016 season.
Rick Ware Racing switches from Ford to Chevrolet: In another shakeup, Rick Ware Racing and driver Cody Ware will compete under Chevrolet in 2026, forming a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and accessing support from ECR Engines.
Kaulig Racing anticipates reduced backing: While Kaulig Racing remains the same command-wise, the two-car squad affiliated with RCR and ECR Engines expects less manufacturer support in 2026. Team CEO Chris Rice indicated that Kaulig plans to operate independently, receiving only engine supplies from ECR as they potentially prepare to enter the Truck Series with Dodge.
Key Changes in Driver-Crew Chief Partnerships
Ross Chastain teams up with Brandon McSwain: After five years working with Phil Sargen, Chastain will now collaborate with McSwain, who brings six years of experience from the No. 24 HMS Chevrolet team. This partnership aims to build on recent successes, including a dramatic 2025 Coca-Cola 600 win.
Kyle Busch joins forces with Jim Pohlman: Busch, who hasn’t won since June 2023 and has struggled in recent seasons, gains a new crew chief following Randall Burnett’s move to Trackhouse. Pohlman, formerly RCR’s research and development director and 2024 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion crew chief, is expected to inject fresh energy into Busch’s campaign.
Noah Gragson partners with Grant Hutchens: After a tough 2025 season, Front Row Motorsports has restructured its crew leadership, with Hutchens stepping up as crew chief. Former crew chief and two-time Daytona 500 winner Drew Brickenderfer moves into the team’s competition director role to provide strategic guidance.
Erik Jones reunites with Justin Alexander: Alexander will now crew chief the No. 43 Legacy Motor Club car, replacing Ben Beshore. With a track record that includes victories at the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and 2018 Daytona 500 with Austin Dillon, Alexander’s experience aims to help Jones improve after several years without a win.
Fan Take:
These developments are crucial as they signal fresh dynamics both on and off the track, stirring excitement among fans hopeful for new rivalries and breakthroughs. With notable driver movements, shifting manufacturer alliances, and revamped pit crews, 2026 promises to be a transformative season that could reshape the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
