Viking Motorsports took to social media to officially reveal that Matt DiBenedetto will be returning to the organization for a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign in 2025.
The 33-year-old DiBenedetto from Grass Valley, California, will be piloting Viking’s No. 99 entry that has been re-numbered from 38. In addition, the organization, which collaborated with RSS Racing for its first appearance in NASCAR in 2024, will be fielding Chevrolets after switching manufacturers from Ford this past December. Don Sackett, the CEO of SciAps Inc., will continue to serve as the owner of the organization that will now be technically aligned with Richard Childress Racing.
The announcement of Viking’s competition plans in 2025 comes as DiBenedetto competed in 28 Xfinity events with Viking in 2024. Beginning at Richmond Raceway in mid-March 2024 through the finale at Phoenix Raceway, the Californian recorded three top-10 results, an average-finishing result of 23.2 and finished in 26th place in the final driver’s standings. His best on-track results throughout this past season were a pair of seventh-place finishes at Iowa Speedway in June and at Michigan International Speedway in August, which also marked his career-best results in the series ever.
The 2025 season is scheduled to mark DiBenedetto’s ninth with at least one start in the Xfinity Series division, but his first as a full-time competitor. The most events that DiBenedetto has competed in an Xfinity season was 29 of 33 in 2014, where he was driving for The Motorsports Group.
Through 97 previous starts in the Xfinity circuit, DiBenedetto has recorded five top-10 results, 19 laps led and an average-finishing result of 30.4 as he strives to both achieve his first series’ victory and first Playoff berth. In addition to his Xfinity Series stats, DiBenedetto has made 248 career starts in the Cup Series, where he has recorded 31 top-10 results and made the 2020 Playoffs. He has also made 43 career starts in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he notched his first career victory at Talladega Superspeedway in 2022.
With his plans for this upcoming season set, Matt DiBenedetto’s 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign with Viking Motorsports is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 with a starting broadcast time at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
JR Motorsports (JRM) will attempt to etch a new chapter to its illustrious racing legacy by fielding a NASCAR Cup Series entry for the first time on this year’s 67th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Justin Allgaier, the reigning Xfinity Series champion from Riverton, Illinois, who pilots the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro entry for JRM in the Xfinity division, has been named the driver of JRM’s No. 40 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry throughout the upcoming Daytona Speedweeks as he attempts to secure the organization’s first participation in both a NASCAR’s premier series event and in the Great American Race.
With Allgaier named the driver of JRM’s first Cup entry, Greg Ives, the 2014 Xfinity championship-winning crew chief, will work atop the pit box of the No. 40 entry that will be sponsored by Traveller Whiskey, the latter of which was created by 10-time Grammy Award-winning artist and country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton.
The news comes as JRM is coming off its 19th consecutive campaign in the Xfinity circuit, where the organization achieved its fourth championship with Allgaier, the latter of whom notched his first championship within NASCAR’s top three national touring series in his 14th campaign in the Xfinity Series. Throughout the 2024 season, Allgaier also notched two race victories and utilized consistency throughout the Xfinity Playoffs en route to his first title. He has amassed 25 career victories through 471 current starts in the Xfinity circuit.
To date, Allgaier has made 82 career starts in the Cup Series division. He made his first four career starts in NASCAR’s premier series in 2013 before he spent the following two seasons as a full-time Cup competitor, all of which occurred with Turner Scott Motorsports. After scaling back down to the Xfinity circuit to join JRM, beginning 2016, the Illinois native would only make a total of seven additional Cup starts in five over the next nine seasons (2016, 2020-22, 2024). His most recent Cup start was the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he piloted the No. 5 Chevrolet entry for Hendrick Motorsports as an interim competitor for Kyle Larson, the latter of whom was competing in the Indianapolis 500 and was unable to participate in the Coke 600 overall due to inclement weather.
Should Allgaier qualify for this year’s Daytona 500, it would mark his third overall start in the Great American Race and his first since the 2015 Cup season. Currently, Allgaier’s best result in the Daytona 500 is 27th, which occurred in 2014. His best result in a Cup event is eighth, which occurred at Bristol Motor Speedway in April 2015.
“This is an incredible honor to be driving JR Motorsports’ inaugural entry into the Cup Series, and to do it with not only Dale and Kelley, but Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey makes this even more special,” Allgaier said. “Entering into the DAYTONA 500 has been a goal of this company for a long time and I know that we are going to have everything we need to go out and contend for the win. This is going to be special for sure.”
The news of JRM’s attempted Cup debut for the 2025 Daytona 500 also brought excitement for both Chris Stapleton and Dale Earnhardt Jr., the latter of whom is the team owner of JRM and a two-time champion of the Great American Race. Since debuting in the Xfinity division in 2005, JRM has amassed 88 career victories, including seven in 2024 and once with Earnhardt Jr. as the driver at Richmond Raceway in April 2016. The organization is set to field four full-time entries in 2025, with Allgaier and Sammy Smith along with rookies Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch scheduled to compete as full-time competitors. Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, both of whom compete in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, will also pilot a fifth JRM entry in select Xfinity events for the upcoming racing season.
Ironically, JRM’s announcement of its attempted Cup debut comes 10 years and three days to the date, January 12, where the organization first announced its expansion from the Xfinity circuit by fielding a part-time entry in the Craftsman Truck Series division, an expansion that would result with the organization competing in the series on a full-time basis for only the 2016 season and nab a total of two victories during the 2015 season.
“We’ve been waiting for the right moment for JR Motorsports,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “With Justin winning the Xfinity Series championship and Chris Stapleton’s undeniable star power, the planets aligned for this perfect opportunity to enter this year’s DAYTONA 500.”
“Traveller Whiskey joining JR Motorsports for their inaugural entry into the Cup Series at the DAYTONA 500 feels like a very natural partnership,” Stapleton added. “I’m honored to be apart of this historic moment with Dale and Kelley [Earnhardt Miller], and excited to see Justin race the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet in Daytona.”
JRM is an unchartered entry for this year’s Daytona 500 festivities. This means that Allgaier will have to earn a starting spot for the Great American Race. He will have to either rely on his speed during the Busch Light Pole Qualifying session on February 12 at 8:15 p.m. ET or through his result in the Daytona Duels scheduled for February 13 at 7 p.m. ET to outduel additional non-chartered entries. Both sessions will air on FS1.
The 2025 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 16 with a coverage time slated to commence at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
JR Motorsports (JRM) took to social media to reveal its crew chief lineup for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season which features the return of four familiar names and one new name calling the shots atop their respective numbered pit boxes and paired drivers.
Beginning next season, Cory Shea will be serving as an Xfinity crew chief for JRM’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro entry which will be fielded as the “all-star” entry. Shea makes his move atop the pit box as a crew chief after recently serving as a car chief for veteran Justin Allgaier and the No. 7 JRM team that achieved the 2024 Xfinity Series championship. Thus far, Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, both of whom compete in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, have been confirmed to pilot the No. 9 “all-star” entry for select events (nine total combined).
Speaking of JRM’s No. 7 team, Jim Pohlman, the reigning Xfinity championship-winning crew chief, will remain both atop the pit box of the No. 7 Chevrolet team and paired up with Allgaier as both strive to defend their title for the 2025 season. Pohlman first joined JRM as an Xfinity crew chief in 2023, where he navigated Allgaier and the No. 7 team to four victories and a runner-up result in the final standings. This past season, the duo captured two regular-season victories, made the Championship 4 round and outdueled the competition during the finale at Phoenix Raceway to win the title, which marked Allgaier’s first in the series after 14 previous attempts and during his seventh appearance as a Championship 4 contender.
Currently, Pohlman, who first served as a crew chief for Sheldon Creed at Richard Childress Racing for four Xfinity events in 2022, has achieved six victories, three poles, 25 top-five results and 41 top-10 results as a crew chief in the series.
Like Pohlman, Phillip Bell will be returning as a crew chief for JRM’s No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro team which will be piloted by Sammy Smith, the latter of whom returns for a second consecutive driving campaign at JRM in 2025. Bell, who embarked in his first season as a NASCAR crew chief last year, initially spent the first 23 scheduled events working atop the pit box of JRM’s No. 9 team and driver Brandon Jones. Then starting at Atlanta Motor Speedway in September, he shifted to JRM’s No. 8 team and was paired with Sammy Smith for the final 10 scheduled events. During the span, Bell notched his first victory as a crew chief after Smith won at Talladega Superspeedway in October, which enabled the duo to transfer to the Playoff’s Round of 8 and settle in 11th place in the final driver’s standings.
Through his first full-time season as an Xfinity crew chief (33 races total), Bell notched one victory, two poles, three top-five results and nine top-10 results as he prepares to lead the No. 8 JRM Chevrolet team and Smith on a full-time basis in 2025.
Meanwhile, Andrew Overstreet will be paired up with incoming Xfinity rookie Carson Kvapil, the latter of whom will be driving the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet entry for his first full-time campaign in the division amid a successful campaign in late model competition. Previously, Kvapil achieved the 2021 CARS Super Late Model Tour title and back-to-back CARS Late Model Stock Tour titles between 2022 and 2023. This past season, Kvapil also won the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 and the Icebreaker 125.
Overstreet, who first served as an Xfinity crew chief for driver Sam Mayer for three events in 2022, was a crew chief for JRM’s No. 88 “all-star” Chevrolet team that appeared in a total of 17 events in 2024. At Watkins Glen International this past August, Overstreet achieved his first Xfinity career victory as a crew chief after he navigated Zilisch to his first career victory in his series’ debut from pole position. In addition to Zilisch, Overstreet spent the 2024 season working with Kvapil, team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., Connor Mosack and Bubba Pollard with the No. 88 team. He also served as a crew chief for JRM’s No. 1 team and Mayer for a single event this past season.
Through 21 appearances as an Xfinity crew chief, Overstreet has achieved one victory, two poles, 10 top-five results and 14 top-10 results as he strives to lead Kvapil to both his first victory and Playoff berth.
Like teammate Overstreet, Mardy Lindley will be paired with another incoming Xfinity rookie, that being Connor Zilisch as he will be piloting the No. 88 JRM Chevrolet for his first full-time campaign in the series. Lindley became an Xfinity crew chief for JRM for the first time in 2023 after spending the previous two seasons as a Craftsman Truck Series crew chief at Kyle Busch Motorsports. Paired with Sam Mayer and the No. 1 team, Lindley led both the driver and team to four victories and a Championship 4 berth, where they settled in third place in the final standings. This past season, Lindley and Mayer notched three victories and ended up in ninth place in the final standings after both fell short of reaching the Championship 4 round for a second consecutive season.
Through 62 appearances as an Xfinity crew chief, Lindley has achieved seven victories, one pole, 19 top-five results and 30 top-10 results as he strives to navigate Zilisch to additional victories and his first Playoff berth in 2025.
The 2025 season is scheduled to mark JR Motorsports’ 20th consecutive season as a full-time team in the Xfinity Series division. Since its inception, the organization has accumulated a total of 88 victories and four championships. The organization has also notched a combined 35 poles, 534 top-five results, 1,045 top-10 results and 14,308 laps led through a 19-year span as they strive for more on-track success for the upcoming racing season.
With the crew chief lineup set, JR Motorsports’ 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 15. The event’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
NASCAR will return to competition on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, at 8 pm ET with the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. It marks NASCAR’s return to the quarter-mile track for the first time since 1971.
Saturday will feature four 25-lap heats to help determine the starting lineup. To finalize the lineup, there will also be a 75-lap last-chance qualifying race on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET before the main event.
In anticipation of the 2025 season, we’ve got the scoop on the latest driver moves and team news.
*Please check back regularly for updates.
Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports
On Jan. 9, Beard Motorsports announced that Anthony Alfredo will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in the No. 62 Chevrolet with Fortify Building Solutions as a sponsor.
Front Row Motorsports will expand to a three-car team in 2025
Front Row Motorsports confirmed on May 29 that they will expand to a three-car team in 2025.
“We have a very positive outlook on the future of NASCAR, and as the sport plans for success, so do we,” commented Bob Jenkins, Owner of Front Row Motorsports. “Today that means having a plan for expanding back to three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. I always have the vision to continue to grow and improve our team, and that commitment and desire never changes. I am committed to the sport and its passionate fans and partners.”
Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row MotorsportsFord
The team announced on June 5 that Todd Gilliland will return to the NASCAR Cup Series with Front Row Motorsports in 2025 after signing a multiyear deal and will move from the No. 38 Ford to the No. 34 Ford. On December 12th, it was announced that Chris Lawson would return to Front Row Motorsports as crew chief for Gilliland.
Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford
In July, it was announced that Gragson has signed a multi-year deal with Front Row Motorsports as they expand to three charter teams in 2025. On Jan. 3 it was revealed that Gragson will drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang with Drew Blickensderfer as his crew chief.
“It’s definitely exciting times,” Gragson said during a press conference. “When we started out this year, I didn’t know how I was going to run. I didn’t know if I had the potential to run in the Cup Series just based off how the 2023 season went, and to be able to get my feet underneath me with the opportunity at Stewart-Haas, it definitely opened people’s eyes. And with the challenges that have come about with Stewart-Haas, we were looking for a home for a long time, and that’s when I got introduced to Bob and Jerry [co-owners].”
Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
On January 2 the team announced that Zane Smith will return to Front Row Motorsports in 2025 to drive the Cup Series No. 38 Ford. Ryan Bergenty will be his crew chief.
“I’ve always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports,” Smith said “They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series initially in 2022 and we shared so much success together, winning six races and a championship in two seasons. Unfortunately, everyone had to make tough decisions because there were only two Cup cars available at Front Row Motorsports going into last season when I was ready to move up full-time. Now, going into next year, Front Row has really taken their Cup program to another level and I cannot think of a better lineup of teammates.”
Garage 66 (Formerly MBM Motorsports)
MBM Motorsports has rebranded their Cup Series team to Garage 66 as of Jan. 16.
Garrett Smithley will drive the No. 66 Ford in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 2 No announcements have been made as to whether the team will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500, or who the driver will be.
Haas Factory Team(NCS/NXS)
After the news that Stewart-Haas Racing would cease operations at the end of 2024, Gene Haas announced on June 20 that he would field one Cup charter and two Xfinity Series teams under the name Haas Factory Team in 2025.
“My commitment to motorsports hasn’t changed, just the scope of my involvement,” Haas said. “Operating a four-car Cup Series team has become too arduous, but, at the same time, I still need a platform to promote Haas Automation and grow HaasTooling.com.”
On Jan. 7, the team announced Nick Sandler as the competition director for the Cup Series program and Adam Gravitt as the competition director for the Xfinity Series program.
“I’ve grown up with Haas Automation, and having their name on my firesuit is something I take a tremendous amount of pride in. I’m driven to win for Gene and everyone at Haas Automation because they’ve been such a big part of my career,” Custer said.
JTG Daugherty Racing announced in November that they would rebrand with a new name (Hyak Motorsports) under new ownership, effective immediately. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will continue to drive the No. 47 Chevrolet with crew chief, Mike Kelley.
Chris Gabehart, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing
On November 22nd, Joe Gibbs Racing announced a couple of major changes for next season regarding the No. 11 team. Chris Gabehart, Hamlin’s crew chief for the previous six years, will advance to the role of competition director in 2025. Chris Gayle, Ty Gibbs’s crew chief for the past two seasons, will be Hamlin’s crew chief in 2025.
“Denny is obviously a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” said Gayle. “I’m looking forward to working with him and the guys on the No. 11 team. He and Gabehart have established an incredible culture that is a very good barometer for our other drivers and teams to strive to match. I have all the confidence in the world we can hit the ground running and continue the success that this group is accustomed to in 2025.”
Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
On June 14, Truex announced his decision to retire from full-time competition at the end of the 2024 season. He will compete in a few select races in 2025, beginning with the Daytona 500.
“It’s been incredible. It’s been a hell of a ride. I’m excited about the future, and I’m not really sure what that looks like yet,” Truex said.
“I have to win. Like there’s no excuse not to win,” Briscoe said. “You have to make the playoffs. If you don’t make the playoffs, then there’s no reason I should be driving this race car. So yeah, I definitely think that you have to win races. You have to be running up front consistently, and I think they feel like I’m capable of doing that. But I have to show that, so hopefully, that’s what I can do.”
Tyler Allen, Joe Gibbs Racing
On December 2nd, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Tyler Allen will move from crew chief of the No. 20 Toyota in the Xfinity Series to crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team in the Cup Series in 2025.
“It’s an honor to be named crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the 54 Team as we head into the 2025 season,” said Allen. “This opportunity has been a dream of mine since starting here at JGR 10 years ago, and I’m thankful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my mentors, teammates, and everyone along the way. Ty has shown a lot of speed and potential the last two years, and I look forward to building on that experience to get the 54 car in victory lane.”
Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports,
JR Motorsports announced on Jan. 15 that they will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in the No. 40 Chevrolet with driver Justin Allgaier and make their Cup Series debut. Greg Ives will be Allgaier’s crew chief and they will have sponsorship from Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey.
AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Allmendinger will return to the Cup Series in 2025 to drive full-time for Kaulig Racing and will drive the No. 16 Chevrolet.
“I am incredibly grateful for another opportunity to run full-time in the Cup Series, and to be able to do it with the men and women at Kaulig Racing means a lot to me personally,” said Dillon. “They gave me a chance this year to go out and prove myself in a handful of starts. The team and I were able to connect early on, and we put together a few strong runs in the No. 16. I’m really looking forward to what 2025 brings with this team. We have a bright future ahead of us and we’re going to give it our all each and every race next season.”
Erik Jones, No. 43 LEGACY Motor Club Toyota
The team confirmed that Jones will return to drive the No. 43 LEGACY Motor Club Toyota entry after signing a multiyear deal with the team. Jones will continue to pilot the coveted 43 Toyota Camry XSE for the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond.
“I’m looking forward to what we can build at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. I’ve been with the No. 43 car for a handful of years and feel like I’m coming into some of the best years of my career. I am hoping to grow alongside LEGACY M.C. in the seasons to come,” said Jones.
Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 LEGACY Motor Club
On Jan. 16, Jimmie Johnson confirmed that he will attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 in the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. He has also signed up for the Memorial Day Weekend Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, his second of two planned appearances. If he qualifies for both events, it will give him 700 career starts.
Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing
On Nov. 20, Richard Childress Racing announced that Austin Dillon will be paired with a new crew chief in 2025 as Richard Boswell takes over on the pit box for the No. 3 Cup Series Chevy. Bass Pro Shops and Winchester confirmed on Jan. 17 that they will sponsor Dillon for 17 races this season.
“I’ll always be grateful that we were able to give Whelen their first NASCAR win earlier this season (2024) and I know we have more victories in our future together,” said Jesse Love.
Tim Brown, Rick Ware Racing
Rick Ware Racing announced on November 17th that Bowman Gray Stadium star Tim Brown, the track’s all-time wins leader (101 Modified Division victories), will drive the Rick Ware Racing No. 15 Ford and attempt to qualify for the Clash exhibition race on February 2nd at the quarter-mile oval.
Matt McCall, RFK Racing
On November 7th, RFK Racing announced that Matt McCall would not return as crew chief for the No. 6 Ford driven by Brad Keselowski in 2025.
Jeremy Bullins, RFK Racing
Brad Keselowski will have a new crew chief next year. On Nov. 21, RFK Racing announced that Jeremy Bullins will be Keselowski’s crew chief in 2025. Bullins and Keselowski worked together for two seasons (2020 and 2021) at Team Penske and captured five wins.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with BK again, this time in the iconic No. 6 car with RFK,” said Bullins. “We were able to accomplish a lot as a team previously, but we had a couple of unfinished goals like a Daytona 500 win and a championship together and I’m ecstatic we get the opportunity to compete together again. From the outside looking in it’s been obvious the trajectory RFK is on, and I look forward to being part of the growth and future success of the team.”
Ryan Preece, RFK Racing
On November 19th, RFK Racing announced that Ryan Preece will drive the No. 60 Ford full-time in 2025. Kroger will also move its sponsorship from JTG Daugherty Racing to sponsor all of the RFK Racing teams (Preece, Keselowski, and Buescher).
“I’m a racer. I’m somebody that wants to win races. I want to compete for championships. My entire career has certainly been unorthodox, but I have unfinished business, and I want to win really bad,” said Preece. “I’m eager and ready to get to the Clash and get to Daytona and finish out that goal.”
Veteran Derrick Finley was announced as Preece’s crew chief on Jan. 14. Finley has over 20 years of experience in NASCAR on the pit box and in various roles throughout the NASCAR organization.
Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing said, “His experience and technical knowledge of the sport will play a crucial role in the initial development and growth of the No. 60 team.”
Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
On May 8, Spire Motorsports announced they had signed a multiyear contract with Michael McDowell to drive the No. 71 full-time.
“This is a new chapter for my family and me, and we’re incredibly thankful for the opportunity that’s in front of us,” said McDowell. “It’s going to take some hard work, but I feel like everything is in place for us to be successful as a race team, to win races and contend for championships. People are the greatest asset to any organization, and with Spire’s vision, ambition, knowledge, and dedication, we will achieve great things. Failure is not an option, and that’s the mindset that it will take to achieve our goals.”
Rodney Childers, No. 7 Spire Motorsports
After the announcement that Stewart-Haas Racing would cease operations at the end of the 2024 season, Spire Motorsports hired Rodney Childers as the crew chief for the No. 7 team (Justin Haley) beginning in 2025. The current crew chief, Ryan Sparks, will move to the role of competition director.
“I think the biggest thing is seeing how Spire Motorsports has grown over the last couple of years,” said Childers. “They are investing in people, and that’s what makes a difference these days. We all buy the same chassis, bodies, and parts. What makes a difference is the people. Spire continues to invest in the people within the team, and they seek out good people to add depth to an already strong group.”
“Spire Motorsports gave me my first few starts in the Cup Series,” said Haley. “My first was in the No. 77 at Talladega on my 20th birthday. We had a lot of great runs in our first year together in 2019, and there’s still a lot of familiar faces around there who were on the team back then. I’m excited to come home. This is where I got my start in the Cup Series, and I’m excited to go out there and compete with (crew chief) Ryan Sparks and the No. 7 team. The next seven races will give us a nice head start and a baseline for next season.”
Haley began driving the No. 7 Chevy Camaro at the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway while Corey LaJoie finished the 2024 season in Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 entry.
Matt McCall and Dax Gerringer, Spire Motorsports
On November 25th, Spire Motorsports announced that veteran crew chief Matt McCall will join the team as Director of Vehicle Performance. Dax Gerringer, the former lead engineer at Stewart-Haas Racing, will join the organization as Technical Director.
“This is a great addition for our team and one that means a lot to me, personally,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Matt is a longtime friend, one of my first handful of NASCAR clients I had when I was a young agent, and we’ve always shared the same view of how race cars work and race teams operate. I’m happy the stars finally aligned for us to work together, and I look forward to adding him to an already impressive group for 2025.”
Stewart-Haas Racing will close at the end of the 2024 season (NCS/NXS)
Stewart-Haas Racing announced on May 28 that the team would cease operations at the end of the 2024 season and sell its four charters. In 2008, NASCAR Hall of Famer Stewart joined forces with Haas to form SHR for its inaugural season in 2009, starting with a two-car team with drivers Stewart and Ryan Newman with a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports.
“We have made the difficult decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season. It is a decision that did not come easily, nor was it made quickly. Racing is a labor-intensive, humbling sport. It requires unwavering commitment and vast resources, with a 365-day mindset to be better than everyone else. It’s part of what makes success so rewarding. But the commitment needed to extract maximum performance while providing sustainability is incredibly demanding, and we’ve reached a point in our respective personal and business lives where it’s time to pass the torch.”
Daniel Suárez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Trackhouse Racing announced on Friday, August 9th, that Daniel Suárez will return as the No. 99 Chevrolet driver in 2025, marking their fifth season together.
“Trackhouse is home to me, and I have enjoyed every minute I have been here,” said Suárez. “We plan to keep working, growing, and winning more races. We can only do that with the support of my Amigos and Amigas at Freeway Insurance. They have backed me for the last several years and we have grown close with their customers and employees.”
“This is what I have planned for, and I am ready,” van Gisbergen said. “I know there is a tough learning curve ahead, but the best way to learn is to go out and do it.” He added, “I feel I have made progress running the Xfinity Series this year with Kaulig Racing, and I can’t thank everyone there enough. I look forward to the Cup Series. Those drivers and teams are the best in the world, and it will be an honor to be part of their races.”
Martin Truex Jr., TRICON Garage
On Jan. 16, TRICON Garage announced that Martin Truex Jr. will attempt the Daytona 500 in the No. 56 Cup Series car with technical support from Joe Gibbs Racing. Cole Pearn will serve as the crew chief for the entry.
“From day one Bubba has been an integral part of 23XI,” said a statement on social media. “We’re excited to announce that he has signed a multi-year renewal and will continue to play a key role in helping 23XI grow and succeed. #ForwardTogether”
“It’s an honor to join 23XI and Toyota for the opportunity to race in the Cup Series each week,” Herbst said. “Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR, and I’m excited to start my Cup career with such an accomplished and driven team. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive,e and I look forward to building on their success as the organization grows. It’s also great to continue representing Monster and I’m excited about adding to their legacy in NASCAR.”
“First and foremost just the history, the heritage, the family atmosphere that the Wood Brothers provide. It just really feels like a great fit for me. I feel like I fit their brand, and who they are and how I’ve gotten here, and how they’ve gotten here. I feel like this is a great fit. I’ve really enjoyed my relationship with Ford, and to continue that on was something that’s important to me, and I appreciate, and I’m thankful to have that opportunity. It just really means a lot to drive an iconic car like the 21. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me. I feel ready to provide results, and I think that all in all, it’s gonna be a great relationship.” Berry said.
A longtime employee of Team Penske and seasoned race engineer in the NASCAR Cup Series, Miles Stanley will transition to Wood Brothers Racing in 2025 to serve as crew chief of the famed No. 21 Ford Mustang with driver Berry.
Parker Retzlaff, Alpha Prime Racing
On December 18th Alpha Prime Racing confirmed that Retzlaff will pilot the No. 4 Chevrolet full-time in 2025. Joe Williams was announced as his crew chief on Dec. 20. Sponsorship details have not been released. Rettzlaff joins Brennan Poole who returns for a second season in the No. 44 Chevrolet.
“We all want to win races, be consistent, and prove we’re here to compete,” Retzlaff said in a press release. “Everyone here has told me how much they believe in me and what I can do.”
Hailie Deegan, No. 15 AM Racing Ford
After competing in the first 17 Xfinity races of 2024, it was announced on July 8th that Deegan and AM Racing had decided to “part ways effective immediately.” On October 14th, she issued a statement sharing her decision to move to open-wheel cars and compete in a full season next year in Indy NXT, an IndyCar development program, with HMD Motorsports.
“This year, I took the opportunity to hop into the F3 car. And it was one of the coolest experiences I honestly had. I just fell in love with it. One thing went to the next literally, and I went to a few Indycar races I think. Being in the pit sparked so much conversation so I flew up to Indie, checked out a few shops, met with a few of the teams, met with HMD, and I am so excited to be a part of HMD Motorsports.”
Harrison Burton, AM Racing
On September 20th, AM Racing announced that Harrison Burton would join the team to compete full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025 after three seasons in the Cup Series with Wood Brothers Racing.
Nick Sanchez, Big Machine Racing
Sanchez will move from the Truck Series to drive full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025 for Big Machine Racing.
“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Sanchez said Wednesday in a virtual conference. “When I look at the [Xfinity] schedule and when I look at the places I need to improve as a driver, I think it just offers more for me. I’m excited to get to the race track next year and try to collect trophies for Scott and the whole team. This team has everything to be successful. I look forward to plugging into the team and chasing trophies.”
“I’m excited to join AM Racing and help build it into the race-winning race team I believe it can and will be,” said Burton. “I think this will be a great opportunity for me to take the things I’ve learned in the Cup Series, bring those to the Xfinity Series, and be the best driver I can be. It’s a blessing to continue my NASCAR journey, and I intend to make the most of this opportunity.”
Cope Family Racing
On Jan. 2, it was announced that Cope Family Racing (CFR) will debut in 2025 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 70 Chevrolet. The team is a family-owned organization with Derrike Cope as the team’s General Manager. Driving duties will be split between Leland Honeyman Jr. (17 races) and Thomas Annunziata. Honeyman will begin the season in the driver’s seat for the season-opener at Daytona.
“I’m excited to join Cope Family Racing as they launch their NASCAR Xfinity Series program,” said Honeyman. “It’s an honor to be part of a team with such a racing legacy, and I can’t wait to contribute to this new chapter in their history book. I’m ready to take on 2025 and continue chasing success on the track.”
“I’m super excited to be racing part-time with CFR in 2025,” Annunziata responded. “Derrike Cope and the Cope Family are rich in NASCAR experience from his driving days and running the team for StarCom Racing in the Cup Series. Although it’s a new team, CFR has assembled an experienced group to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I’m ready and more motivated than ever to be a part of this exciting project. Time to go to work.”
Ryan Ellis, DGM Racing
DGM Racing announced on October 18th that Ellis will drive full-time next season in the Xfinity Series.
“Chatting with Mario (Mario Gosselin, team owner) about his plans for the program in 2025 convinced me that joining DGM was something I couldn’t pass up. He’s a racer, and his enthusiasm was immediately contagious,” Ellis states. “I have so much respect for what the Gosselin family has built, and I hope that we can turn some heads together next year. I’ve seen just how high the potential is at DGM, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, Haas Factory Team
Haas Factory Team announced on August 17th that Mayer (No. 41 Ford) and Sheldon Creed (No. 00 Ford) will complete their Xfinity Series driver lineup for 2025. Crew chief Jonathan Toney will be paired with Creed, and Jason Trinchere will be on the pit box for Sam Mayer. On Jan. 7, the team announced Adam Gravitt as the competition director for the Xfinity Series program.
Sheldon Creed on joining Haas Factory Team
“I’ve won in every division I’ve raced in, and I feel like I’ve earned my place in the Xfinity Series, but that’s not enough. I want to win in the Xfinity Series,” said Creed, who currently drives for Joe Gibbs Racing. He continued, “I watched what Cole Custer did last year on his way to the Xfinity Series championship and when I talked with him about the set-up of the organization, everything he said resonated with me. I feel like Haas Factory Team is a place where I can succeed and where Sam and I can work together to win races and be championship contenders.”
Sam Mayer on joining Haas Factory Team
“The Xfinity Series is a really great place to learn and grow and get yourself ready for the NASCAR Cup Series,” Mayer said. “Cup is my ultimate goal, and to really push myself to become the kind of driver who can succeed in Cup, I needed to get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and hone my race skills so that when that Cup moment comes, I’m ready. The Haas team got Cole Custer ready for his moment and it’s a place that will help get me and Sheldon ready for our moments.”
Corey Day, Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports announced on Jan. 9 that they have signed a multiyear agreement with Corey Day. He will compete in approximately 30 pavement races across the Xfinity Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ARCA Series and the Trans-Am Series with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.
Mark Setzer, Jeremy Clements Racing
On December 12th, the team announced that Mark Setzer would not return as crew chief in 2025. Kase Kallenbach will replace Setzer as the crew chief for the No. 51 team.
“Mark [Setzer] has done a lot to help grow our program here at JCR. We have had some memorable moments with him on the pit box for sure, and I am grateful for all his hard work over the last four seasons. We wish him nothing but the best in whatever comes next.” said Jeremy Clements.
Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing
Jones will return to Joe Gibbs Racing after signing a multiyear contract on September 3rd to drive full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025. He drove for JGR from 2018 to 2022 and, most recently, for JR Motorsports (2023, 2024).
“I’m beyond excited to be returning to Joe Gibbs Racing and rejoining the Toyota Racing family,” said Jones. “My time with JGR was some of the most rewarding of my career, and I’m eager to build on that success as we chase more wins and a championship together. I’m ready to hit the ground running and make the most of this incredible opportunity.”
Taylor Gray, Joe Gibbs Racing
Taylor Gray will race full-time in 2025, driving the No. 54 Toyota in the Xfinity Series.
“I am very thankful for this opportunity,” Gray said. “I feel like I have learned a lot in the races I have run this year, and we can build on that next season. Being able to work with Tyler (Allen, crew chief) and these guys for a few races has been a great head start on next season and getting that chemistry going, so I’m really excited about what we can do running together full-time.”
“I am honored to be driving the No. 18 full-time in the Xfinity Series next year,” Sawalich said. “It has been really cool to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing (ARCA Series), and I feel like I have developed so much as a driver over the past two years. I still have a lot to learn, especially with moving to a new series, so I am looking forward to taking this next step in racing.”
Justin Bonsignore, Joe Gibbs Racing
Justin Bonsignore will return to Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot the No. 19 Toyota for five NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2025. He made his Xfinity Series debut with the team in 2024 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Greg Van Alst, Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen
Joey Gase Motorsports confirmed on December 16th that the team has signed ARCA Menards Series veteran, Greg Van Alst, to compete in most of the 2025 Xfinity Series races in the No. 35 Chevrolet. His first race will be the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14, 2025.
“I am thrilled about this opportunity to compete in most of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season with Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen,” said Van Alst. “This is an essential step in my racing career, and with a tunneled vision focused on the Xfinity Series, I believe I can step up to the plate and not only be competitive but also produce some strong finishes that can propel our team into the spotlight. I’m ready to get to work and make the most out of the opportunity to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Daytona in about two months.”
Austin Green, Jordan Anderson Racing
Green will return to Jordan Anderson Racing to run a partial Xfinity Series schedule in the No. 32 Chevrolet focusing on road courses and short tracks.
“There’s a lot of good Chevrolet-affiliated teams with Kaulig and RCR (Richard Childress Racing), but at the end of the day, when you look at the Cup Series and the guys who have come through JR Motorsports and gone to the Cup Series, I feel like they’ve had the most success. And I do think there’s a lot of really good resources at JR Motorsports that I’ll be able to go and learn from as we look on to the years to come. I feel like I’m in a really good spot with a lot of great people around me that’ll help guide me in the right direction as I get into the Xfinity Series next year.”
JR Motorsports Drivers/Crew Chiefs
Jim Pohlman will return to the No. 7 team with Justin Allgaier. Phillip Bell will move to the No. 8 team with Sammy Smith. Andrew Overstreet will be on the No. 1 pit box with rookie driver Carson Kvapil. Mardy Lindley will join the No. 88 team as crew chief for Connor Zilisch. Corey Shea joins the No. 9 part-time All-Star entry team as crew chief for nine races with Trackhouse Racing’s Chastain and van Gisbergen.
“I’ve really enjoyed driving the Xfinity car this year, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue working with Kaulig Racing in 2025,” said Daniel Dye. “It’s been a fun experience learning the car and trying to navigate the different feeling compared to the truck. I’m looking forward to finishing out the season, running for the Truck Championship and making the most of my remaining races in the No. 10.”
Christian Eckes, Kaulig Racing
On August 31st Kaulig Racing announced that Eckes will move from the Craftsman Truck Series to drive the team’s No. 16 Chevrolet full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025.
“Just super excited for this opportunity,” Eckes said. “This is something I feel like it’s been a long time coming, and to do it with Kaulig Racing, Chris (Rice, team president), Matt (Kaulig, team owner) and so many great teammates as well is something that I’m really looking forward to. Obviously, have a lot to achieve this year still, but very excited for the future. Just ready to get to work.”
Kaulig Racing, Crew Chief Lineup
Kaulig Racing revealed their Xfinity Series crew chief lineup on December 19th. Kevin Walter will be paired with Daniel Dye (No. 10 Chevrolet), Eddie Pardue with Josh Williams (No. 11 Chevrolet), and Alex Yontz with Christian Eckes (No. 16 Chevrolet).
Tyler Tomassi, No. 66, MBM Motorsports
MBM Motorsports announced today (Jan 15) that Tyler Tomassi will drive the No. 66 Ford Mustang in two NASCAR Xfinity Series events in 2025 – Martinsville Speedway in March and Bristol Motor Speedway in April.
Kris Wright, Our Motorsports
On November 20th, Wright announced he would drive the No. 5 Chevrolet full-time in 2025. He will replace Anthony Alfredo.
“I am thrilled to join Our Motorsports for the 2025 season,” said Kris Wright. “I’m equally excited to make my return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and look forward to hitting the road for 33 weeks to take on the challenges of a full season together.”
Dean Thompson, Sam Hunt Racing
On Jan. &, Sam Hunt Racing announced that Dean Thompson will pilot the No. 26 Toyota full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025.
“I’m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR,” Thompson said. “The team made me feel at home after the two races we shared last year. Everything clicked with us, and we are both in a spot where we could fulfill each other’s needs to help our growth as a race team and driver. I’m lucky to have this opportunity to take the next step, which most can only dream of reaching, and I’m grateful to share it with such an awesome group of people.”
Garrett Smithley, No. 14, SS-Greenlight Racing
SS-Greenlight Racing announced on Mon., November 19th, that Garrett Smithley will return to the team in 2025 and compete full-time in the No. 14 Chevrolet with crew chief, Jason Mille and will be sponsored by Trophy Tractor.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be a full-time driver at SS-Greenlight Racing,” Smithley said in a team release. “I haven’t been full-time since 2019, so beyond excited to get to work with Bobby (Dotter, owner) and Jason Miller (crew chief). Daytona can’t come soon enough!”
SS-Greenlight Racing, No. 07
On Jan. 16 the team announced that Patrick Emerling, Alex Labbe and Nick Leitz will split SS-Greenlight Racing’s No. 07 entry for the 2025 Xfinity Series season. Emerling will compete in the season opener at Daytona.
Matt DiBenedetto, Viking Motorsports
On Jan. 16 it was announced that DiBenedetto will drive the No. 99 (new car number) for Viking Motorsports again in 2025 for a full Xfinity Series season with Pat Tryson as crew chief.
Anthony Alfredo, Young’s Motorsports
On Jan. 12 Young’s Motorsports announced that Anthony Alfredo will drive the No. 42 Chevrolet full-time in the 2025 Xfinity Series with sponsors Dude Wipes and RANDCO.
Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports
On December 12th, Front Row Motorsports announced that Chandler Smith had signed with them for the 2025 season as they expanded to add a second entry to their Truck Series lineup. He joins returning Rookie of the Year, Layne Riggs. The Truck number and sponsors for Smith will be announced later.
“I’m excited to join Front Row Motorsports truck program,” said Smith. “They are a top contender in the Truck Series and have proven so with championships and wins. I like what they are building here and am honored to have the opportunity to add to it. We are getting a bit of a late start, but I am excited about the caliber of talent we are talking to in being a part of this program for 2025.”
Daniel Hemric, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced on November 20th that Hemric will drive the No. 19 Chevrolet full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, replacing Christian Eckes.
“This is a great opportunity for me to compete for wins and chase another championship,” Hemric said. “Thanks to Bill McAnally, Bill Hilgemann, NAPA, Chevrolet and everyone involved for the opportunity. It’s a big milestone season to be a part of with NAPA’s 100th anniversary and the 35th year of Bill’s partnership with them. We’re going to do everything we can to get the NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet in victory lane and be in contention for a championship.”
“I’m really glad to be staying at MHR with Mark and the entire LIUNA team,” Ankrum said in a released statement. “This last year was probably the best of my career with the consistency we showed throughout the season. Making the playoffs was a huge goal for us and we were in the mix all the way to Martinsville, so we want to take another step and make it to Phoenix in 2025. We all want to get back to victory lane, and I think keeping this group together and continuing to develop as a team will help us get there.”
Connor Mosack, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
On December 3rd, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced that Mosack had been signed to drive the No. 81 Chevrolet in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. Mosack’s resume includes 11 starts in the Truck Series and 28 in the Xfinity Series throughout his career.
“I’m ecstatic to start 2025 with everybody at MHR and want to continue this team’s success in the playoffs,” Mosack said. “All four MHR teams had great performances this past year, so this is a big opportunity to race with a winning organization. It’s great to continue being part of Team Chevy and appreciate NAPA Nightvison and everyone at MHR for making this a reality. I’m looking forward to working with Blake and we want to become one of the weekly contenders, compete for wins, and lock ourselves in the playoffs.”
Jack Wood, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) announced on December 3rd that Jack Wood will return to the team in 2025 to compete in the Truck Series full-time in the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado with crew chief Kevin Bellicourt.
“I’m definitely thankful and excited to be back at MHR next season,” Wood said in a released statement. “We had a lot of bright spots this past season and have a great foundation to build on. I have a lot of trust in Kevin [Bellicourt], [team owner] Bill [McAnally], and everyone at MHR, so that makes me excited for what’s ahead of us next year. It’s great to have Adaptive One Calipers board with us and looking forward to activating with their customers throughout the season.”
Kaden Honeycutt, Niece Motorsports
On Oct. 1, Kaden Honeycutt was announced as the full-time driver of the No. 45 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. It will be his first full-time ride in a national series.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how much this opportunity means to me,” Honeycutt said. “Before I got connected with Al (Niece) and Cody (Efaw), last year, I thought my career was over. Both of them took a big chance on me leading into this year and it’s kept me hungry to make them proud. My group of guys on the No. 45 team have become brothers to me, and we’ve been able to share such a good relationship.”
Christian Rose, Niece Motorsports
On December 16th, Niece Motorsports announced that Christian Rose would move up from the ARCA Menards Series to drive the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025.
“For me, it’s a huge opportunity to make the jump from the ARCA Series,” said Rose. “I got my feet wet a little bit in the Truck Series a few years ago, but I believe in everything that we have going on in this building and am very excited to get to Daytona. The speed that we’ve seen from this team is a big reason why we signed our deal, and I’m just excited to make that transition. I think if we do the right things and show up and put the work in, we can have a lot of great things to look forward to next year.”
Dawson Sutton, Rackley W.A.R.
On October 17th, Rackley W.A.R. announced that Sutton would compete full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series next year in the No. 25.
“This is really a phenomenal opportunity,” he said. “I’ve dreamed for this day to come, and my goal is to make it to NASCAR’s Cup Series that represents the best of the best. It’s all a little hard to believe right now, but I know I have a big job to do, and that’s exactly how I look at it.”
Frankie Muniz, Reaume Brothers Racing
Reaume Brothers confirmed on October 22nd that Muniz will race the No. 33 Ford full-time in 2025.
Cody Dennison,Reaume Brothers Racing
On Jan. 21, Reaume Brothers Racing announced that Dennison will drive the No. 2 Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series part-time in 2025. He will make his debut at Martinsville Speedway on March 28th.
Tyler Tomassi, Reaume Brothers Racing
Reaume Brothers Racing announced on Jan. 14 that Tomassi would return and run two Craftsman Truck Series races in the No. 2 Ford. He will compete at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30 and Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 11.
Rajah Caruth, Spire Motorsports
On December 13th, Spire Motorsports confirmed that Caruth will return to Spire Motorsports in 2025 to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet for a second season in the Craftsman Truck Series with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.
“It is great to have a home and stability heading into next year,” Caruth said in a released statement. “I believe this is the first time in my career I won’t be with a new team or competing in a different series at the start of the season. I really appreciate the opportunity [owners] Jeff [Dickerson] and T.J. [Puchyr] have given me, and I’m excited to continue preparations for 2025. Our organization has really grown over the past year, and we have shown what we are capable of. We have set the bar high for the season, and the expectation is to win more races and compete for a championship.”
“I am excited to be back with TRICON for my third full-time year,” said Heim. He continued, saying, “I have developed so much alongside this organization in the last two years, and we have made some incredible memories along the way. I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025 with my No. 11 crew.”
“TRICON has become a second home to me, and I am looking forward to another year as the driver of the 15,” said Gray. “I feel like we have some unfinished business after this past season, and I am as motivated as ever to compete in the postseason in 2025.”
Toni Breidinger, Tricon Garage
Tricon Garage announced on November 26th that Toni Breidinger will advance from the ARCA Menards Series to drive the team’s No. 5 Toyota full-time next year in the Craftsman Truck Series.
“Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it,” Breidinger said. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. I’m beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career.”
Gio Ruggiero, Tricon Garage
On December 2nd, Tricon Garage announced that Gio Ruggiero, who claimed nine top 10s in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024, will drive the team’s No. 17 Toyota in 2025. Ruggiero earned nine top 10s in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024.
“I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with TRICON in 2025,” said Ruggiero. “I look forward to getting to work with all of the guys on the 17 team and contending for wins this season.”
Tricon Garage, No. 1 “All-Star” Entry
William Sawalich will begin the season as the driver of the No. 1 at Daytona International Speedway. He will also race at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Feb. 22), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 14), Nashville Superspeedway (May 30) and Watkins Glen International (Aug. 8).
Brandon Jones will drive the No. 1 for seven races, beginning at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 21. His schedule also includes the Bristol Motor Speedway spring race on April 11, Rockingham Speedway (April 18), Texas Motor Speedway (May 2), Kansas Speedway (May 10), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 23) and Pocono Raceway (June 20).
Brent Crews will make nine starts beginning at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17 and followed by Lime Rock Park (June 28), Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 25), Richmond Raceway (Aug. 15), Bristol (fall, Sept. 11), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Sept. 20), Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (Oct. 3), Martinsville (fall, Oct. 24), and the season finale at Phoenix Raceway (Oct. 31).
Lawless Alan will compete in four races in 2025 – Martinsville (spring, March 28), Michigan International Speedway (June 7), Darlington Raceway (Aug. 30) and Talladega Superspeedway (Oct. 17). Jake Hampton will lead the No. 1 team on the pit box.
TRICON Garage, Crew Chief Lineup
On December 16th, TRICON Garage announced its crew chief lineup for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Scott Zipadelli will return to lead the No. 11 team with rookie driver, Gio Ruggiero. Jeff Hensley will return and transition to the No. 15 team with driver, Tanner Gray. Jerame Donley will lead the No. 17 team with rookie Gio Ruggiero, and Derek Smith will serve as crew chief for Toni Breidinger in her first full-time season in the No. 5. Matt Puccia will be back as the team’s competition director.
Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen will both be piloting the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro entry for JR Motorsports (JRM) for select events throughout the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
Chastain, a native of Alva, Florida, will make his first Xfinity start of the upcoming season at Circuit of the Americas (March 1) before he then competes at Darlington Raceway (April 5), Nashville Superspeedway (May 31), Dover Motor Speedway (July 19) and at Iowa Speedway (August 2).
Meanwhile, teammate van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion from Auckland, New Zealand, will make his first Xfinity start with JRM in the series’ inaugural event at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City (June 14) before he returns to drive the No. 9 entry for the following road-course events at the Chicago Street Course (July 5), Sonoma Raceway (July 12) and at Watkins Glen International (August 9).
The news comes as both Chastain and van Gisbergen are scheduled to compete as full-time Cup Series competitors for Trackhouse Racing in 2025. It will be Chastain’s fourth consecutive season at Trackhouse while van Gisbergen will embark on his first full-time campaign in NASCAR’s premier series.
This past season, Chastain, a five-time Cup Series race winner who won at Kansas Speedway in September, competed in four Xfinity events with DGM Racing, where he recorded two top-10 results and a season-best sixth-place finish at Watkins Glen this past August.
Through 208 current Xfinity starts, Chastain has recorded two victories, one pole, 24 top-five results, 53 top-10 results, 961 laps led and an average-finishing result of 16.6. The 2025 season will mark the Floridian’s 12th year with at least one start in the Xfinity circuit. JRM will become the 11th team Chastain has driven for as he strives to utilize the extra seat time in the Xfinity circuit to gain a competitive edge in the Cup competition.
“I think there is a lot of benefit to getting seat time on Saturdays in the Xfinity Series,” Chastain said. “Getting an opportunity to do it with JR Motorsports is too good an opportunity to pass up. I know every time I climb in their Chevrolets, we will have a chance to win.”
Compared to Chastain, teammate van Gisbergen campaigned in his first full-time stint in the Xfinity Series at Kaulig Racing this past season. Throughout the 33-race schedule, he notched his first three career victories at Portland International Raceway, Sonoma and Chicago, respectively, between June and July. Despite settling in the runner-up spot in the final Rookie-of-the-Year standings, van Gisbergen tallied a total of three poles, seven top-five results, 10 top-10 results, 100 laps led and an average-finishing result of 16.5, which was also enough to finish in 12th place in the final standings.
Previously, van Gisbergen won in his Cup Series debut at Chicago while driving Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 entry in 2023. Amid the excitement of being named a full-time Cup competitor for the 2025 season, the New Zealander also values the extra seat time gained within NASCAR’s lower series to be competitive and be a frequent front-runner among NASCAR’s elite.
“I’m trying to get as much experience as I can,” van Gisbergen said. “JR Motorsports is one of the top teams and won the championship with Justin Allgaier. I can’t wait to get started.”
With JRM’s No. 9 Chevrolet entry serving as the organization’s “all-star” entry, both Chastain and van Gisbergen will compete alongside JRM’s full-time Xfinity competitors that include the reigning champion Justin Allgaier, junior driver Sammy Smith and rookies Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch in 2025.
Additional details for the JRM’s No. 9 “all-star” entry for the 2025 Xfinity Series have not been determined.
With their part-time Xfinity Series campaigns in 2025 set, Ross Chastain will make his first series start with JRM at Circuit of the Americas on March 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network while van Gisbergen will make his first start at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 14 at 4:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
Dean Thompson will team up with Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) and pilot the No. 26 Toyota Supra entry for a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign in 2025.
The news comes as the 23-year-old Thompson from Anaheim, California, is coming off his third full-time campaign in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series division and his second at TRICON Garage, where he finished in 16th place in the 2024 driver’s standings on the strengths of six top-10 results, four laps led and an average-finishing result of 18.9.
“I’m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR,” Thompson said. “The team made me feel at home after the two races we shared last year. Everything clicked with us, and we are both in a spot where we could fulfill each other’s needs to help our growth as a race team and driver. I’m lucky to have this opportunity to take the next step, which most can only dream of reaching, and I’m grateful to share it with such an awesome group of people.”
Thompson, who grew up competing in quarter midgets and late models, claimed both the Irwindale Late Model Track Championship and the California State Title honors in 2020. the Californian also claimed the rookie-of-the-Year title in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, and competed for High Point Racing in the ARCA Menards Series West division in 2021. From 2021 to 2024, Thompson would record his first career pole at Pocono Raceway in 2023, two career-best runner-up results, five top-five results and 11 top-10 results through 12 ARCA Menards Series career starts.
In 2021, Thompson made his NASCAR Truck Series debut during the finale at Phoenix Raceway for Niece Motorsports, where he finished 21st. The following season, he campaigned with Niece on a full-time basis, where he recorded an average finishing result of 25.2 and finished in 23rd place in the final standings before he spent his next two seasons competing with TRICON Garage.
During the 2024 season, Thompson made his Xfinity Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Sam Hunt Racing in May, where he finished 34th. Five months later, he made his second series start at Talladega Superspeedway, where he notched a season-best 20th-place result.
Thompson’s promotion to the Xfinity circuit makes him SHR’s second full-time competitor since Kaz Grala in 2023. Since debuting during the 2019 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, SHR has featured a total of 24 competitors, including both Thompson and Grala, campaigning in at least one event with the organization. Through a combined 179 Xfinity starts, SHR has notched 11 top-five results, 26 top-10 results and 26 laps led as the organization strives to gain more consistency and be competitive on the track for the 2025 season.
“We’re all excited to bring Dean into the SHR family to develop in the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025,” Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing, said. “He is extremely tough, has a great personality, and works hard behind the scenes to make the most of his opportunities.
Dean understands the challenges that await any rookie and is completely committed to becoming a well-rounded, mature race car driver who can put himself in a position to succeed every single week.
“Our goals are aligned, and we are ready to get to work.”
With his plans for the 2025 season set, Dean Thompson’s first full-time campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
Justin Bonsignore will return to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2025. He will pilot the organization’s No. 19 Toyota Supra entry for five NASCAR Xfinity Series events in 2025.
Bonsignore, a four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion from Holtsville, New York, is coming off his most recent championship-winning season. He won five races and recorded 12 top-five results throughout the 16-race schedule. Bonsignore also wrapped up the title by 30 points over two-time series champion Ron Silk.
Bonsignore made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with JGR during the 2024 season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in mid-June. During his debut, he led three laps. However, he finished in 22nd place after a multi-car wreck with 19 laps remaining in the race. He was running inside the top 10 before the incident.
“When we had the opportunity to work with the Joe Gibbs Racing team at New Hampshire last year, it was a perfect pairing,” Bonsignore said. “As soon as that weekend was over, we started looking at options to run a larger schedule in 2025 and it all came together. When you work with a team like JGR, you know you’re going to have a car in contention to win every race you run. We’re looking forward to having some fun and chasing trophies.”
Bonsignore grew up competing in go-karts. He has won four championships in the Whelen Modified Tour division with 45 career victories. Bonsignore has also won in 13 of his previous 14 seasons. His career highlights include 33 poles, 130 top-five results, 169 top-10 results and 5,442 laps led. His average finish is 7.9 through a total of 226 starts.
Bonsignore was one of nine competitors that piloted the JGR No. 19 Toyota in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity season. The entry finished in 15th place in the final owner’s standings with three top-five results and six top-10 results recorded.
“We’re excited to have Justin back in our car in 2025,” Steve de Souza, Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Development for JGR, said. “He has proven himself over and over again in the modifieds and he did a great job for us at New Hampshire with no track time before the race started. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do with more opportunities to adapt to the Xfinity cars and working with the same team multiple times this season.”
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season for Joe Gibbs Racing will commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 15. Iy will be broadcast at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
Spartanburg, SC – Jeremy Clements Racing is excited to announce the renewal of its partnership with Harrison’s, based in Spartanburg, SC, as a primary sponsor on the No. 51 Chevrolet for four races in the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity season.
Darlington – April 5 at 3:30 p.m. Bristol – April 12 at 5:00 p.m. Rockingham – April 19 at 4 p.m. Charlotte ROVAL – Oct. 4 at 4:00 p.m.
Harrison’s iconic Green and Brown colors will also be prominently displayed as an associate partner throughout the 2025 season. “I am thrilled to have Harrison’s back with us. The Harrison family’s support goes way back to my ARCA days, and I’m so glad we could work out a deal for these four races.”
“Now all we have to do is work hard, outrun the competition and Win some races,” Clements said.
The 2025 Xfinity Season starts with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. on The CW network.
ABOUT HARRISON’S:
Harrison’s is a family-owned retail chain specializing in workwear and Western apparel and footwear. Our founders, Danny and Emily Harrison, began with one store and one brand in 1998; now there are 6 stores throughout the Carolinas, an e-commerce division that ships to the entire United States, and a fleet of mobile boot trucks to service our industrial customers. We also have a full-service Outdoor and Tactical division that proudly outfits multiple law enforcement and first responder departments. Customers can find trusted brands like Ariat, Carhartt, Cinch, Thorogood, and Wrangler on our shelves and the best customer service throughout every part of our company. That’s why we’re the home of Work, Western, and Wow. For more information, please visit us online.
Kaulig Racing took to social media to reveal its 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series crew chief lineup that features the return of three familiar names from the previous season.
For the upcoming racing season, Kevin Walter will be working atop the pit box of the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Camaro team that is set to be piloted by incoming Xfinity Series rookie Daniel Dye. Veteran Eddie Pardue will remain as a crew chief for Josh Williams and the No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro team, a position he assumed midway into the 2024 season, while Alex Yontz will return as a crew chief for Kaulig’s No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro team that will be driven by incoming rookie Christian Eckes.
The news comes as Kaulig Racing is coming off its ninth consecutive campaign in the Xfinity Series and fourth in a row fielding three full-time entries. The organization has also fielded a fourth entry for 10 races total that was piloted by Dye, the latter of whom was making his first set of appearances in the Xfinity division while also competing as a full-time competitor for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Throughout the 2024 season, the Kaulig organization notched four victories, three with Shane van Gisbergen and one with AJ Allmendinger as both also made the Playoffs. While van Gisbergen finished 12th in the final driver’s standings, Allmendinger finished third after he made the Championship 4 round by winning the Playoff’s Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October. Meanwhile, Williams, who campaigned in his first Xfinity season at Kaulig, finished 18th in the standings on the strengths of four top-10 results while Dye recorded two top-10 results during his 10-race stint.
In total, Kaulig Racing achieved a combined four victories, three poles, 14 top-five results, 34 top-10 results and 374 laps led in 2024.
Fthe start of the 2025 season at Kaulig’s No. 10 team is set to mark his third different entry working within the organization and since he began as an Xfinity crew chief in 2024. He initially commenced this past season as a crew chief for Williams and the No. 11 team. Following the first 20 scheduled events, Walter replaced the departing Bruce Schlicker to work atop the pit box of Kaulig’s No. 97 Chevrolet that was piloted by van Gisbergen. Through 33 appearances as an Xfinity crew chief, Walter has notched one pole, two top-five results and seven top-10 results while working with two competitors (van Gisbergen and Williams). Both he and driver Daniel Dye enter the 2025 season with pursuits of notching their first victories in the series.
Walter’s midseason change of Kaulig entry teams in 2024 resulted in Eddie Pardue assuming the position of crew chief Williams and the No. 11 Chevrolet team, beginning at Michigan International Speedway in August. It also marked Pardue’s first appearance as a crew chief in the Xfinity circuit since he was at TriStar Motorsports in 2016. Having made his Xfinity crew chief debut at the start of the 1998 season while working with Elton Sawyer, Pardue has called a current total of 351 events while working with 24 competitors as an Xfinity crew chief.
Throughout the span, Paedue achieved three victories, two with Greg Biffle and one with Matt Kenseth, while leading Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 16 Ford team in 2009. Before being elevated as a crew chief for Kaulig, he was the team’s engineering manager, a position he held since December 2022. Having also called 33 events as a Cup Series crew chief and 22 in the Truck Series, Pardue is set to call a full season with Williams, the latter of whom continues his pursuit for his first Xfinity victory.
Meanwhile, Alex Yontz remains as a crew chief for Kaulig’s No. 16 Chevrolet team for a second consecutive season come the start of the 2025 season. With AJ Allmendinger returning for a full campaign at Kaulig, Christian Eckes assumes Allmendinger’s Xfinity seat after spending the previous two seasons in the Truck Series, where he won a total of eight races with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and made the Championship 4 round this past season.
Yontz, who made his crew chief debut at the start of the 2019 Xfinity season, has achieved a total of nine victories with four competitors through 184 appearances as a crew chief. During the six years, he also made two Championship 4 appearances: the first with Justin Haley in 2020 and his recent with Allmendinger in 2024, both of which resulted in third-place finishes in the final driver’s standings. Eckes will become the 16th competitor overall to work with Yontz, the latter of whom continues his pursuit for his first NASCAR championship as a crew chief.
Ironically, Kaulig’s reveal of its Xfinity crew chief lineup in 2025 comes exactly two weeks after the organization revealed its Cup crew chief lineup that consists of Andrew Dickeson and Trent Owens for Ty Dillon and Allmendinger, respectively.
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season will commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
Parker Retzlaff will be driving the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro entry on a full-time basis for Alpha Prime Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
The news comes as the 21-year-old Retzlaff from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is coming off his second consecutive campaign in the Xfinity circuit, where he drove for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport.
Throughout the 33-race schedule in 2024, Retzlaff notched his first two career poles (Richmond Raceway in March and Martinsville Speedway in November), a season-best third-place result during the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway, two top-five results, four top-10 results, 50 laps led and an average-finishing result of 23.5 before setting in 21st place in the final driver’s standings.
Throughout the 2024 season, Retzlaff also made his first two career starts in the Cup Series division. He finished 35th in his debut while driving for MBM Motorsports at Richmond in August before he notched a strong seventh-place result during his second start two races later at Daytona while driving for Beard Motorsports.
Retzlaff’s move to Alpha Prime Racing solidified his racing plans for next season more than a month after it was announced that he would not be retained by Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport for the 2025 campaign.
“I’m humbled, honestly,” Retzlaff said in a released statement. “Obviously I wouldn’t be here without the support of my partners – who I’m really excited to announce later,” he said with a smile. “[Owners] Tommy [Joe Martins] and Caesar [Bacarella] have put together an awesome team. It’s a big confidence booster for me to go into 2025 with a group that really wants me here.”
“I feel like we still have something to prove,” Retzlaff added. “We all want to win races, be consistent and prove we’re here to compete. Everyone here has told me how much they believe in me and what I can do.”
Retzlaff, a former champion in the Wisconsin Bandolero Series, made his Xfinity Series debut at Phoenix Raceway in March 2022, where he drove the No. 38 RSS Racing Ford entry to a 36th-place result. He then made eight additional starts while competing between RSS and Our Motorsports throughout the season. During the stint, he notched his first top-10 career result by finishing 10th at Richmond in April.
In 2023, Retzlaff replaced Myatt Snider to pilot the No. 31 Chevrolet entry for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. Commencing his first full-time Xfinity campaign with a fourth-place result at Daytona, Retzlaff would rack up six additional top-10 results and a total of 23 top-20 results. Despite missing the Playoffs, Retzlaff capped off the season with an average-finishing result of 17.9 and a 16th-place result in the final standings.
Through 75 career starts in the Xfinity Series, Retzlaff has notched two poles, three top-five results, 12 top-10 results, 62 laps led and an average-finishing result of 20.4 as he continues his pursuit for both his first series victory and Playoff berth. He is set to compete alongside Brennan Poole, the latter of whom returns for a second consecutive campaign at Alpha Prime Racing after he notched two top-10 results, an average-finishing result of 20.0 and finished 16th in the driver’s standings.
“I’m just super excited to have [Retzlaff] join us,” Caesar Bacarella said. “He’s a young, really talented racecar driver and he’s going to help elevate the team. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but [co-owner Tommy Joe Martins] and I agree it’s all about the people. It’s so hard. We’re racing against the best teams in the world. But we’ve got great people and that’s what’s made it work. And now we’ve got two ace drivers in the stable full-time.”
Alpha Prime Racing’s crew chief lineup for its driver roster along with any additional organization and partnership details remain to be determined.
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season for Alpha Prime Racing is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 at 5 p.m. ET on the CW Network.
