3 NASCAR teams facing big changes ahead of 2025 featuring Front Row Motorsports
Midway through the 2024 NASCAR season, the rumor mill is churning as several teams are yet to announce their driver lineups for 2025. In addition to drivers changing teams, the new charter agreement and their trades have also been a significant topic of conversation.
Tony Stewart and Gene Haas co-owned Stewart-Haas Racing kicked off the silly season after the former announced his departure as team owner. The top-tier Ford organization will now be run under a new moniker and will be fielding a single entry.
Amidst drivers moving to new teams and NASCAR Cup teams acquiring new charters, several teams have chosen to maintain stability by sticking with their existing driver lineups for 2025. However, the silly season shakeup is far from over, with many teams still yet to announce their driver rosters.
Let us take a look at three NASCAR organizations facing major changes ahead of the 2025 season.
3 NASCAR teams undergoing big changes for 2025
#3 Haas Factory Team
Stewart Haas Racing's shutdown will remain the defining moment of the silly season, as the four-car team released its drivers and charters. Gene Haas has retained one of the four charters and will continue to run the team under the Haas Factory Team banner.
Reigning Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer will return to the Cup Series, driving the #41 entry for Haas. The team has also announced a technical alliance with RFK Racing for 2025. With these significant changes, the revamped Haas Factory Team has a lot to prove in the upcoming season.
#2 Spire Motorsports
Spire Motorsports was one of the early movers in the silly season, signing former Daytona 500 winner Michael McDowell to drive the #71 Chevy next season. The team has also announced the addition of veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, further bolstering their lineup.
The team added to the silly season chaos by announcing their decision to part ways with Corey LaJoie, the most experienced driver in their lineup. Heading into 2025, Spire Motorsports still needs to announce a replacement for LaJoie’s #7 Chevy, while #71 Chevy driver Zane Smith's plans remain uncertain.
The three-car team has plenty to prove in 2025, having fallen short of the high expectations set earlier this season. Rookie driver Carson Hocevar has shown consistency and fellow rookie Zane Smith has shown improvement.
#1 Front Row Motorsports
Front Row Motorsports, the team owned by Bob Jenkins, has made huge changes heading into the 2025 NASCAR season. FRM has already announced its purchase of a charter from Stewart Haas Racing, expanding into a three-car team next season.
Following veteran driver Michael McDowell's exit, Front Row Motorsports extended the contract for 24-year-old driver Todd Gilliland. The team will welcome Stewart-Haas Racing's Noah Gragson next season, while the driver for the third entry remains unannounced. Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass has linked Zane Smith and Xfinity Series driver Sam Mayer to the third seat.