On the Move: Changes to know for the 2027 season

The offseason is here, and changes are upon us. Drivers, crew chiefs and others are on the move to different organizations as NASCAR prepares to embark on a new season. As these stories continue to develop, bookmark and save this page for all of the latest industry updates heading into the 2027 campaign.

Stephen Doran returns to Spire Motorsports as No. 71 crew chief (NCS)

The scoop: Spire Motorsports announced Nov. 9 that Stephen Doran will return to the organization as crew chief for Michael McDowell's No. 71 Chevrolet in 2027. Doran previously worked at Spire in 2024 before spending two seasons with Trackhouse Racing, guiding Shane van Gisbergen to seven Cup Series victories. Spire has offered current No. 71 crew chief Travis Peterson a teamwide engineering role.

Blake Harris joins Trackhouse Racing as crew chief for Shane van Gisbergen (NCS)

The scoop: Trackhouse Racing announced Nov. 9 that Blake Harris will take over as crew chief for Shane van Gisbergen's No. 97 Chevrolet in 2027. Harris spent the last four seasons with Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports' No. 48 team, highlighted by a victory at the Chicago Street Course in 2024.

Kaulig Racing switches to Dodge in 2027 (NCS)

The scoop: Dodge announced on Nov. 2 that it is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, pairing with Kaulig Racing as its anchor team. Kaulig then announced Nov. 6 that AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon will drive the team's two full-time entries. Team officials had already indicated Allmendinger's return, while Dillon is back for a third campaign. 

Ryan Preece to switch to No. 6 car at RFK Racing (NCS)

The scoop: Ryan Preece will drive the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing in 2027, the team announced Nov. 4. Preece had driven the No. 60 car since joining the organization in 2025, but with Brad Keselowski's departure at the end of the season, the spot opened up for Preece to have a chartered ride.

Daniel Suárez remains with Spire Motorsports in 2027 

The scoop: Spire Motorsports announced Oct. 13 that Daniel Suárez will remain with the team after signing a contract extension. Suárez, driver of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, told reporters Oct. 10 that talks with the team were "close" to being finalized. 

Austin Cindric returns to Team Penske in 2027 (NCS)

The scoop: Austin Cindric told reporters Oct. 10 at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he will return to Team Penske's No. 2 Ford in 2027. Cindric won the 2022 Daytona 500 and qualified for the postseason in four of his first five full-time campaigns. 

Cole Custer signs contract extension with Haas Factory Team (NCS)

The scoop: Haas Factory Team announced Oct. 9 that current driver Cole Custer will continue to pilot the No. 41 Chevrolet for a third straight season. 

Brad Keselowski to exit No. 6 Ford, part ways with RFK Racing (NCS)

The scoop: Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing announced Sept. 29 that Keselowski, a driver and co-owner of the team, will depart the team and exit the ride at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Keselowski indicated his desire to continue racing behind the wheel in a statement of his own.

Erik Jones signs multiyear extension to remain as driver of No. 43 Toyota (NCS)

The scoop: Legacy Motor Club is bringing back Erik Jones as its longest-tenured driver for next season and beyond, the team announced Sept. 27. Jones will have two new teammates in Josh Berry and Riley Herbst as Legacy expands to a third car in 2027. 

Josh Berry to join Legacy Motor Club as driver of No. 42 Toyota (NCS) 

The scoop: Legacy Motor Club announced Sept. 8 that Josh Berry will pilot the No. 42 Toyota beginning in 2027. Berry takes over for John Hunter Nemechek, who raced in the machine full time from 2024-2026. 

Riley Herbst to join Legacy Motor Club, drive No. 84 Toyota

The scoop: Legacy Motor Club announced Sept. 3 that Riley Herbst will drive the team's newly minted third car -- the No. 84 Toyota -- beginning in 2027. The move comes after 23XI Racing, Herbst's current team, announced May 30 that Corey Heim will take over driving duties in the No. 35 Toyota next season. 

Austin Hill to drive No. 33 Chevrolet for full 2027 season (NCS)

The scoop: Richard Childress Racing announced Aug. 24 that Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for the entire 2027 season. Hill has driven the No. 33 since Memorial Day Weekend, stepping in after the death of Kyle Busch on May 21. 

Connor Zilisch signs multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports starting in 2028 (NCS)

The scoop: Hendrick Motorsports announced Aug. 17 that the 20-year-old phenom will take the reins of the No. 48 Chevrolet beginning in 2028. Zilisch completed his rookie season with Trackhouse Racing after taking the NASCAR world by storm in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series last season, winning 10 races for JR Motorsports. Zilisch will remain behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse in 2027 before moving over to Hendrick. 

Noah Gragson signs contract extension with Front Row Motorsports (NCS)

The scoop: Front Row Motorsports announced Aug. 14 it had signed Noah Gragson to drive the No. 4 Ford through the 2027 season with options to extend. Gragson is in his second straight full-time Cup season with the Bob Jenkins-owned team.

Alex Bowman to retire from full-time competition after 2027 (NCS)

The scoop: Hendrick Motorsports will have a new driver for its No. 48 Chevrolet in 2028 after announcing July 23 that Alex Bowman will step away from full-time racing following the 2027 season. Bowman signed a one-year contract extension for 2027, which will mark his 10th consecutive full-time NASCAR Cup Series season with the Rick Hendrick-owned organization.

Todd Gilliland signs extension to remain at Front Row Motorsports (NCS) 

The scoop: Front Row Motorsports announced July 17 that Todd Gilliland will remain with the team as pilot of the No. 34 Ford in 2027. Gilliland has been a NASCAR Cup Series mainstay with the team since 2022 and has wheeled the No. 34 full time since 2025.

AJ Allmendinger to remain with Kaulig Racing (NCS)

The scoop: AJ Allmendinger confirmed June 20 that he will return to Kaulig Racing and the NASCAR 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 NASCAR 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.

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

The scoop: 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Corey Heim will take the reins of 23XI Racing's No. 35 Toyota in 2027, the organization announced May 30. Heim won 12 races in his championship campaign. Running a part time Cup campaign in 2026, Heim won races at Naval Base Coronado and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  

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 NASCAR 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 expanding 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. Legacy will field the Nos. 42, 43 and 84 Toyotas in 2027 for Josh Berry, Erik Jones and Riley Herbst, respectively.

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 crew chief Cliff Daniels also signed a multiyear extension. Together, Larson and Daniels won the 2021, 2025 and 2026 NASCAR Cup Series titles. 

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

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

Will Rodgers to drive for Big Machine Racing in 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Big Machine Racing announced Nov. 7 that Will Rodgers will pilot the team's No. 48 Chevrolet in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series next season. Rodgers has 15 starts in the series and previously spotted for Erik Jones in the Cup Series. 

John Hunter Nemechek joins Haas Factory Team for 2027 season (NOAPS)

The scoop: After Legacy Motor Club announced Sept. 2 that John Hunter Nemechek wouldn't return to the No. 42 Toyota, the driver landed a seat in the No. 41 Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team on Nov. 4. After four years in Cup, Nemechek returns to the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he has 11 victories and will be paired with crew chief Jason Trinchere.

Rajah Caruth returns to JR Motorsports for 2027 season (NOAPS)

The scoop: Caruth will return to JR Motorsports for a full season in 2027 in the No. 88 Chevrolet after splitting time with JRM and Jordan Anderson Racing during the 2026 season. Despite the split duty, Caruth made The Chase presented by Mobil 1.

Viking Motorsports re-signs Anthony Alfredo, Parker Retzlaff for 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Viking Motorsports announced Oct. 29 that Anthony Alfredo and Parker Retzlaff will return to the Nos. 96 and 99 Chevrolets for the 2027 season, respectively. It will mark the second season with the organization for both drivers. 2027 is slated for Alfredo's sixth full-time O'Reilly Series campaign and Retzlaff's fifth. Retzlaff made The Chase for the first time in 2026. 

Brennan Poole to join Jordan Anderson Racing in 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Jordan Anderson Racing announced Oct. 16 that Brennan Poole will drive the team's No. 31 Chevrolet full time in 2027. Poole has spent six full-time seasons in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, including the last three with Alpha Prime Racing. The move follows an Oct. 12 announcement that Poole wouldn't return to APR in 2027.

Tristan McKee signs with JR Motorsports for part-time stint in 2027-2028; plans to go full time in 2029 (NOAPS)

The scoop: JR Motorsports announced Oct. 16 that rising star Tristan McKee has signed with the team to compete part time in the O'Reilly Series next season and in 2028, with plans to drive on a full-time basis in 2029. 

Ryan Ellis reunites with Alpha Prime Racing for 2027 season (NOAPS)

The scoop: After previously driving for the team in 2024, Ryan Ellis is set to leave Young's Motorsports and make his full-time return to Alpha Prime Racing in 2027 on a multiyear deal, the team announced on Oct. 15.

Blaine Perkins moves to Sam Hunt Racing in 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Sam Hunt Racing announced on Oct. 14 that Blaine Perkins will drive the No. 24 Toyota full time in 2027 and team up with Sheldon Creed at the organization. Perkins comes to SHR after two seasons at Jordan Anderson Racing.

Harrison Burton joins Peterson Racing in organization's second full-time entry (NOAPS)

The scoop: Harrison Burton will depart Sam Hunt Racing at season's end to join Peterson Racing in 2027, he and the team announced Oct. 11. Burton will drive the No. 78 Chevrolet as Peterson adds a second full-time team for the first time, and the organization will move into a new race shop on the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, North Carolina. 

Jeb Burton joins RSS Racing for 2027 season (NOAPS)

The scoop: Jeb Burton announced on Oct. 6 that he will join RSS Racing for the 2027 season as pilot of the No. 22 Chevrolet. Burton has spent the past four seasons competing for Jordan Anderson Racing, winning at Talladega Superspeedway in 2023 for the organization's first victory. Burton piloted the No. 22 machine once before, doing so at Daytona International Speedway in 2023.  

Sheldon Creed joins Sam Hunt Racing on multiyear deal (NOAPS)

The scoop: Sam Hunt Racing announced Oct. 3 that Sheldon Creed will join the organization to drive the No. 26 Toyota on a multiyear deal. Creed makes the move after two seasons with Haas Factory Team, where he had won three races.

Sam Mayer reunites with JR Motorsports in No. 1 Chevrolet (NOAPS) 

The scoop: JR Motorsports announced Sept. 22 that Sam Mayer will take over the No. 1 Chevrolet next season, returning to the organization that fielded his cars from 2021 to 2024. Mayer spent the last two seasons with Haas Factory Team, driving its No. 41 Chevy.

Hendrick Motorsports signs Corey Day to long-term contract extension (NOAPS/NCS)

The scoop: Hendrick Motorsports announced Sept. 10 that Corey Day has signed a long-term contract extension with the organization and will return to the No. 17 Chevrolet in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series next season. Additionally, he'll contest a part-time Cup Series slate, with details to be announced at a later date. 

Daniel Dye competing for Jordan Anderson Racing full time in 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Jordan Anderson Racing announced Aug. 28 that Daniel Dye signed a multiyear agreement to drive the team's No. 32 Chevrolet full time in 2027. The 22-year-old has raced in all three NASCAR national series, bringing valuable experience to the organization.

Brandon Jones returning to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Joe Gibbs Racing announced Aug. 27 that Jones will return to the organization's No. 20 Toyota in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series next season. 2027 will mark his eighth season with the team overall and third in his second stint. 

Carson Kvapil to move to No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports; Sammy Smith departs (NOAPS)

The scoop: In back-to-back announcements, JR Motorsports announced Aug. 27 that Carson Kvapil would return to the team in 2027 but move from the No. 1 Chevrolet to the No. 8, and on Aug. 26 Sammy Smith revealed he wasn't coming back to JR Motorsports in 2027.

Chandler Smith, Carson Brown join RCR's O'Reilly program for 2027 (NOAPS)

The scoop: Richard Childress Racing announced Aug. 26 that Smith and Brown would drive the Nos. 21 and 2 Chevrolets, respectively, on multiyear agreements starting in 2027. For Smith, it's a return to the O'Reilly Series after two full-time seasons with Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. For Brown, it's a step up from the ARCA Menards Series, where he has been a developmental driver for RCR.

Lee Pulliam to drive full time for Peterson Racing (NOAPS)

The scoop: Peterson Racing announced Aug. 25 that Lee Pulliam will drive the team's No. 87 Chevrolet for the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Pulliam, a longtime late-model ace in the Southeast, made his series debut for JR Motorsports in March at Martinsville Speedway. 

Dean Thompson moves to Haas Factory Team (NOAPS)

The scoop: HFT announced Aug. 8 that Dean Thompson will join the organization's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program as it expands to a three-team stable. Thompson spent his first two years in O'Reilly with Sam Hunt Racing after making two part-time starts with the team in 2024. Haas later announced that Thompson will drive the No. 00 Chevrolet. 

William Sawalich re-signs with Joe Gibbs Racing (NOAPS)

The scoop: JGR announced Aug. 6 that Sawalich will return to the organization's No. 18 Toyota in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for the third consecutive season. A Minnesota native, Sawalich earned his first series victory in April 2026 at Rockingham Speedway. 

Taylor Gray returns to No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (NOAPS)

The scoop: JGR announced July 21 that Gray would continue to be a part of its NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program in 2027 with crew chief Jason Ratcliff staying to call the shots from atop the pit box. 

Timmy Hill to drive full-time for Team Reaume (NFXFTS)

The scoop: Team Reaume announced Nov. 4 that Timmy Hill will embark on a full-time FedEx Freight Truck Series campaign with the organization in 2027. Hill has over 500 starts across NASCAR's three national series, including more than 130 in each. A seven-year stint driving the No. 56 team in which he owned concluded at Martinsville Speedway in October. 

Daniel Hemric, Christian Eckes returning to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2027 (NFXFTS)

The scoop: McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced Nov. 3 that Daniel Hemric and Christian Eckes will return to the organization for the 2027 campaign, driving the same entries as this season. Hemric, a postseason qualifier the last two years and a former O'Reilly Series champion, is back in the No. 19 Chevrolet for the third consecutive year. Eckes, a nine-time Truck Series winner, is back for his fourth campaign with McAnally and his second in the No. 91 Chevrolet. 

Dawson Sutton, Sammy Smith round out Tricon Garage's full-time lineup (NFXFTS)

The scoop: Tricon Garage announced Oct. 23 that Dawson Sutton and Sammy Smith will round out the organization's full-time driver lineup in 2027. Sutton will drive the No. 5 Toyota Tundra, while Smith will wheel the No. 15. Sutton joins after a multiyear stint with family-owned Rackley WAR, which also announced Oct. 23 that it will no longer compete in the Truck Series after Talladega Superspeedway. Smith joins after four full-time NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series seasons that have culminated in postseason berths in each of them, including the last three seasons with JR Motorsports. 

Kaden Honeycutt to remain with Tricon Garage in 2027 (NFXFTS)

The scoop: Tricon Garage announced Oct. 21 that Kaden Honeycutt will return to the organization for a second season behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota in the Truck Series. Honeycutt won the 2026 Truck Series championship in his first season with the organization, which came after a 2025 campaign split amongst three organizations. 

Gio Ruggiero signs extension with Tricon Garage (NFXFTS)

The scoop: Tricon Garage announced Oct. 21 that Gio Ruggiero will return to the No. 17 Toyota for a third season in 2027. A native of Massachusetts, Ruggiero won his first Truck Series race at Talladega in 2025 and qualified for The Chase as a sophomore in 2026. 

Tyler Ankrum departing McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (NFXFTS)

The scoop: Tyler Ankrum told reporters Oct. 9 at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he won't return to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2027. Ankrum has raced full time in the series since 2019; he spent the last three seasons with MHR, making five postseason appearances during his career.

Kasey Kahne returns to full-time racing (NFXFTS) 

The scoop: Spire Motorsports announced Oct. 7 that 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Kasey Kahne will drive for the team in the NASCAR FedEx Freight Truck Series in 2027. Kahne, a four-time crown-jewel victor, last raced a full NASCAR schedule in 2017. 

Jake Garcia shifts to Front Row Motorsports next season (NFXFTS)

The scoop: FRM announced Sept. 29 that Jake Garcia will move to its No. 38 Ford ride in 2027, making the jump from ThorSport Racing. Quanta Services will serve as primary sponsor for the 21-year-old Georgia native's efforts.

Layne Riggs returning to Front Row Motorsports in 2027 (NFXFTS)

The scoop: Layne Riggs confirmed to reporters Sept. 15 that he will return to drive the No. 34 Ford full time in 2027. Entering The Chase presented by Mobil 1, Riggs has compiled nine race wins as driver of the No. 34 machine across two seasons (2025-26).

NASCAR announces 2027 schedule


The scoop: NASCAR unveiled the full 2027 schedule on Aug. 26, which includes several key changes and announcements, including the return of Naval Base Coronado. Of note, Dover Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway swap, moving a points race back to Dover and the All-Star Race to North Wilksboro. Richmond Raceway and Watkins Glen International move into The Chase, and Bristol Motor Speedway's summer race weekend shifts back to August. The Truck Series will head north of the border to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the first time since 2019, and the tailgaters will also compete at North Wilkesboro Speedway in a points-paying event.