Key players in 2026-2027 Silly Season

Silly Season for 2026-2027 is in full swing as drivers and teams solidify their plans for next season. As these stories continue to develop, bookmark and save this page for all of the latest updates.

AJ Allmendinger to remain with Kaulig Racing (NCS)

The scoop: AJ Allmendinger confirmed June 20 that he will return to Kaulig Racing and the Cup Series in 2027 and beyond. Team CEO Chris Rice said Allmendinger's contract runs through 2029 with options through 2032. Two of Allmendinger's three Cup wins have come in Kaulig equipment. 

Jesse Love to join Wood Brothers Racing in 2027 (NCS)

The scoop: Wood Brothers Racing announced June 17 that Jesse Love will take over the No. 21 Ford beginning in 2027. Love, the 2025 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, has been full-time with Richard Childress Racing in that division since 2024, driving the No. 2 Chevrolet. 

Chris Buescher signs multiyear contract extension with RFK Racing (NCS)

The scoop: RFK Racing announced June 16 that Chris Buescher has signed a multiyear contract to remain with the organization. Buescher has been part of RFK since 2009 and has wheeled the No. 17 Ford since the start of the 2020 season.

Josh Berry not returning to Wood Brothers Racing in 2027 (NCS)

The scoop: Berry revealed on a June 10 teleconference that he won't return to Wood Brothers Racing after the 2026 season. The Hendersonville, Tennessee, native joined the historic organization before 2025 and won that season's spring race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Berry's landing spot is currently unknown.  

Corey Heim to replace Riley Herbst in third full-time 23XI Racing entry (NCS)

The scoop: 2025 Craftsman Truck Series champion Corey Heim will take the reigns of 23XI Racing's No. 35 Toyota in 2027, the organization announced May 30. Heim won 12 races in his championship campaign. He pulled a stunning upset in the Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado in 2026 while competing a part-time schedule for 23XI, doubling as his first premier-series win. 

Riley Herbst departing 23XI Racing after 2026 season (NCS)

The scoop: Riley Herbst won't return to 23XI Racing's No. 35 Toyota in 2027, the team announced May 30 while adding that Corey Heim will replace him. Herbst moved to Cup ahead of the 2025 season and has made significant gains in his sophomore campaign. His landing spot is currently unknown. 

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. signs multiyear contract extension with Hyak Motorsports (NCS)

The scoop: Hyak Motorsports announced May 11 that Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has signed a multiyear extension with the organization. Stenhouse joined the team in 2020 under the JTG-Daugherty banner, and won the 2023 Daytona 500. 

Ryan Blaney inks long-term contract extension with Team Penske (NCS)

The scoop: Team Penske announced May 6 that Ryan Blaney will return to the No. 12 Ford for years to come. Longstanding partner Menards also renewed. Blaney won the 2023 Cup Series Championship. 

Tyler Reddick signs multiyear contract extension to remain with 23XI Racing (NCS)

The scoop: Tyler Reddick revealed April 26 that he signed a multiyear extension to stay with 23XI Racing in 2027 and beyond. Reddick won the 2024 Regular Season Championship and qualified for the Championship 4, and additionally, won five of the first nine races in 2026. 

Legacy Motor Club expending to three full-time teams in 2027 (NCS)

The scoop: Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson confirmed March 12 that the organization will expand to three full-time entries next season. Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek currently pilot the Nos. 42 and 43 for the squad, respectively. Additional details about the team's third car are currently unknown. 

Kyle Larson signs five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports (NCS)

The scoop: Hendrick Motorsports announced Feb. 11 that Kyle Larson will return to the organization through the 2031 season. HendrickCars.com will remain as the primary sponsor, and additionally, crew chief Cliff Daniels also signed a mulityear extension. Together, Larson and Daniels won the 2021 and 2025 Cup Series titles. 

Spire Motorsports signs Carson Hocevar to long-term contract (NCS)

The scoop: Spire Motorsports announced Feb. 5 a contract extension for Carson Hocevar running "into the next decade." Hocevar is in his third Cup Series season and won the 2024 Rookie of the Year crown. His first win came in April at Talladega Superspeedway.