As we approach the upcoming 2024 NASCAR season, The Clash is less than two weeks away, and significant changes have taken place. In this update, Let’s have a comprehensive overview of what to expect. Primarily focusing on the Cup series, let’s start by examining the driver changes at Stewart-Haas Racing. Notably, Kevin Harvick has retired, and Josh Barry now takes the helm in the four car. Barry, having shown promise at JRM, is considered one of the standout rookies from the Xfinity series in recent years. Additionally, with Eric Almirola retiring, Noah Gregson assumes the number 10 car, marking his second chance after last year’s suspension.
Moving on to RWR Racing, the team is making strides, especially in the 15 car with Cas Grala participating in a substantial number of races and Cody Ware on a part-time schedule. The affiliation with RFK is growing, and Justin Haley, in the 51 car, represents a bold move for both team and driver. Haley, previously with Col League, brings potential to elevate the organization. Speaking of Col League, their driver lineup has undergone changes, with AJ Allmendinger returning to full-time Xfinity racing in the 16 car, and Ty Dillon’s status in the 31 car remains uncertain.
Legacy Motor Club sees John Hunter Nemechek moving up to Cup in the 42 car, now a Toyota team. Jimmy Johnson will also make appearances in nine races for Legacy, adding depth and experience. Spire has introduced two new full-time drivers: Zane Smith in the 71 and rookie Carson Josar in the 77, indicating a commitment to progress. RFK’s initiative, the stage 60 with David Reagan driving in the Daytona 500, reflects their continuous efforts to develop new talent and possibly expand to a third car in the future.
Turning to the cars themselves, each manufacturer has notable updates. Ford introduces the new Dark Horse Mustang, Toyota unveils the redesigned Camry, and Chevrolet, with the Camaro, faces uncertainty as production may cease soon. It’s anticipated that Ford and Toyota could surpass Chevrolet’s performance throughout the season.
Regarding the schedule, key changes include Atlanta becoming a super speedway, two Bristol races on concrete, and the return of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. The addition of Iowa Speedway to the Cup and Xfinity series schedules is noteworthy, given the strong demand for tickets. The mid-season Olympic break and a playoff lineup featuring two super speedways and two road courses promise an intriguing and potentially chaotic postseason.
In terms of sponsors, notable shifts include Ross Chastain moving to the number one car with Bush Light, Kyle Busch no longer featuring 3 Chi on his car, and Dollar Tree and Family Dollar sponsoring the 42 and 43 cars. Advent Health joins the 43 car for six races.
Beyond these updates, several storylines shape the season, such as Shane Van Gisbergen’s full-time role in the Xfinity series, Spire acquiring Kyle Busch Motorsports’ truck team, and Sheldon Creed’s move to JGR. The final year of the current media rights deal and ongoing negotiations regarding the Charter system add additional layers of intrigue.
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