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On the Move: Changes to know for drivers, crew chiefs in 2021
By RJ Kraft | Tuesday, February 9, 2021
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Anthony Alfredo
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: The 21-year-old will run for Sunoco Rookie honors in the Cup Series as he takes over the ride vacated by John Hunter Nemechek. Alfredo turned some heads with impressive runs for RCR in the Xfinity Series but has yet to run a full season in any NASCAR national series. Seth Barbour will be his crew chief.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: The 21-year-old will run for Sunoco Rookie honors in the Cup Series as he takes over the ride vacated by John Hunter Nemechek. Alfredo turned some heads with impressive runs for RCR in the Xfinity Series but has yet to run a full season in any NASCAR national series. Seth Barbour will be his crew chief.
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Josh Bilicki
2020 ride: Assorted rides in the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 52 Rick Ware Racing entry in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Bilicki will run a full Cup Series season for the first time in his career. In 2020, he made 22 Cup starts -- a career-high for the Wisconsin native in a single season.
2020 ride: Assorted rides in the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 52 Rick Ware Racing entry in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Bilicki will run a full Cup Series season for the first time in his career. In 2020, he made 22 Cup starts -- a career-high for the Wisconsin native in a single season.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Alex Bowman
2020 ride: No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After three seasons of making the playoffs in the No. 88, Bowman will be the driver to take over the seat vacated by the retired Jimmie Johnson. Crew chief Greg Ives, who has teamed with Bowman for the past three seasons, will also be joining him on the No. 48 team. Bowman has two Cup wins with Hendrick over the past three seasons.
2020 ride: No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After three seasons of making the playoffs in the No. 88, Bowman will be the driver to take over the seat vacated by the retired Jimmie Johnson. Crew chief Greg Ives, who has teamed with Bowman for the past three seasons, will also be joining him on the No. 48 team. Bowman has two Cup wins with Hendrick over the past three seasons.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Clint Bowyer
2020 ride: No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: Will join FOX booth for NASCAR Cup Series telecasts.
Outlook: Bowyer is hanging up the helmet after a 16-year Cup Series career in which he won 10 races. He drove for Richard Childress Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, HScott Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing. He also won the 2008 Xfinity Series championship. He has been calling Xfinity races in the FOX booth for the past few years and will now be calling Cup races with Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon.
2020 ride: No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: Will join FOX booth for NASCAR Cup Series telecasts.
Outlook: Bowyer is hanging up the helmet after a 16-year Cup Series career in which he won 10 races. He drove for Richard Childress Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, HScott Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing. He also won the 2008 Xfinity Series championship. He has been calling Xfinity races in the FOX booth for the past few years and will now be calling Cup races with Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Christopher Bell
2020 ride: No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After spending one year with Leavine, Bell is back in the JGR fold as he will pilot the No. 20 that was driven by Erik Jones over the past three seasons. This car has made the playoffs two of the past three seasons, and that is the expectation for Bell – to win a race and make the playoffs in his second full-time season.
2020 ride: No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After spending one year with Leavine, Bell is back in the JGR fold as he will pilot the No. 20 that was driven by Erik Jones over the past three seasons. This car has made the playoffs two of the past three seasons, and that is the expectation for Bell – to win a race and make the playoffs in his second full-time season.
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Chase Briscoe
2020 ride: No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Fresh off his career year in the Xfinity Series, Briscoe will be taking over the seat from the retiring Clint Bowyer. Briscoe is sure to be the favorite for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and should be in the mix for a playoff spot. His road-racing acumen could be an early boom for him given the 2021 schedule that features six road courses.
2020 ride: No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Fresh off his career year in the Xfinity Series, Briscoe will be taking over the seat from the retiring Clint Bowyer. Briscoe is sure to be the favorite for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and should be in the mix for a playoff spot. His road-racing acumen could be an early boom for him given the 2021 schedule that features six road courses.
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Ross Chastain
2020 ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: The "Watermelon Man" already has 79 Cup starts to his name. He was one of the most consistent cars in the Xfinity Series in 2020, and the only thing missing was a victory. He made several Xfinity starts for Ganassi in 2018 and scored a win. He should be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2021 in his new ride similar to how Matt DiBenedetto was with the Wood Brothers Racing.
2020 ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: The "Watermelon Man" already has 79 Cup starts to his name. He was one of the most consistent cars in the Xfinity Series in 2020, and the only thing missing was a victory. He made several Xfinity starts for Ganassi in 2018 and scored a win. He should be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2021 in his new ride similar to how Matt DiBenedetto was with the Wood Brothers Racing.
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Ty Dillon
2020 ride: No. 13 Germain Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota for 2021 Daytona 500.
Outlook: Dillon will attempt to run the 2021 Daytona 500 with Gaunt Brothers Racing -- he will need to race his way into the big show. He drove for four seasons with Germain Racing -- notching two top fives and six top 10s in that span. Dillon will also make a handful of starts in the Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing.
2020 ride: No. 13 Germain Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota for 2021 Daytona 500.
Outlook: Dillon will attempt to run the 2021 Daytona 500 with Gaunt Brothers Racing -- he will need to race his way into the big show. He drove for four seasons with Germain Racing -- notching two top fives and six top 10s in that span. Dillon will also make a handful of starts in the Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing.
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Jimmie Johnson
2020 ride: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: Retired from full-time NASCAR racing.
Outlook: The seven-time champion has retired from full-time Cup racing and ends with 83 wins and sharing a championships record with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Simply put, he is a legend in his own right. Johnson plans to run a limited IndyCar schedule with Chip Ganassi Racing for the next two years.
2020 ride: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: Retired from full-time NASCAR racing.
Outlook: The seven-time champion has retired from full-time Cup racing and ends with 83 wins and sharing a championships record with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Simply put, he is a legend in his own right. Johnson plans to run a limited IndyCar schedule with Chip Ganassi Racing for the next two years.
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Erik Jones
2020 ride: No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After Jones and JGR parted ways following three Cup seasons together, the 24-year-old is heading to drive for “The King.” Jones qualified for the playoffs twice at JGR and notched two wins (at Daytona and Darlington). The goal will be to get the No. 43 car back into the playoffs and Victory Lane for the first time since 2014.
2020 ride: No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After Jones and JGR parted ways following three Cup seasons together, the 24-year-old is heading to drive for “The King.” Jones qualified for the playoffs twice at JGR and notched two wins (at Daytona and Darlington). The goal will be to get the No. 43 car back into the playoffs and Victory Lane for the first time since 2014.
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Corey LaJoie
2020 ride: No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: LaJoie announced on his "Sunday Money" podcast that he would move over to Spire to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet as the organization expands to a two-car operation. LaJoie will be looking to build off of his past two seasons at Go Fas with an organization that will be getting cars from Chip Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports and engines from Hendrick as well.
2020 ride: No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 plans: No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: LaJoie announced on his "Sunday Money" podcast that he would move over to Spire to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet as the organization expands to a two-car operation. LaJoie will be looking to build off of his past two seasons at Go Fas with an organization that will be getting cars from Chip Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports and engines from Hendrick as well.
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Kyle Larson
2020 ride: No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series (for four races).
2021 ride: No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After being fired from CGR and suspended from NASCAR for using a racial slur during an iRacing event, Larson will return with Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 5 car, which has been renumbered from the No. 88. The 28-year-old is uber talented and has six Cup wins to his name already from his time at Ganassi. He made the playoffs in his last four full-time seasons at CGR and should do so again, while adding to his win total at Hendrick. His reinstatement to NASCAR goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021.
2020 ride: No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series (for four races).
2021 ride: No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After being fired from CGR and suspended from NASCAR for using a racial slur during an iRacing event, Larson will return with Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 5 car, which has been renumbered from the No. 88. The 28-year-old is uber talented and has six Cup wins to his name already from his time at Ganassi. He made the playoffs in his last four full-time seasons at CGR and should do so again, while adding to his win total at Hendrick. His reinstatement to NASCAR goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021.
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B.J. McLeod
2020 ride: Assorted part-time rides in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: McLeod has made 57 Cup starts in his career with 16 coming in 2020. He has ran as a driver-owner in the Cup and Xfinity ranks. He is co-owning Live Fast with former driver Matt Tifft.
2020 ride: Assorted part-time rides in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: McLeod has made 57 Cup starts in his career with 16 coming in 2020. He has ran as a driver-owner in the Cup and Xfinity ranks. He is co-owning Live Fast with former driver Matt Tifft.
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Daniel Suarez
2020 ride: No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 99 Trackhouse Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Suarez will join his fourth organization in as many years as the first driver for the Justin Marks-owned team that makes its debut in 2021. In stints with Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Gaunt Brothers Racing, Suarez has eight top fives and 32 top 10s over the past four seasons.
2020 ride: No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 99 Trackhouse Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Suarez will join his fourth organization in as many years as the first driver for the Justin Marks-owned team that makes its debut in 2021. In stints with Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Gaunt Brothers Racing, Suarez has eight top fives and 32 top 10s over the past four seasons.
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Bubba Wallace
2020 ride: No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After three seasons with RPM, Wallace is moving to the new team that will feature NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin as owners. The team has purchased a charter from Germain Racing and will field a single-car effort in 2021. Wallace is looking to take the next step in his Cup career, and teaming with Jordan could help him do just that.
2020 ride: No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After three seasons with RPM, Wallace is moving to the new team that will feature NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin as owners. The team has purchased a charter from Germain Racing and will field a single-car effort in 2021. Wallace is looking to take the next step in his Cup career, and teaming with Jordan could help him do just that.
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Cody Ware
2020 ride: One start each in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Ware will run a full slate in 2021. The 25-year-old has 23 Cup Series starts with 13 of those coming in 2019. He finished 19th at Talladega in October in his lone 2020 start.
2020 ride: One start each in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Ware will run a full slate in 2021. The 25-year-old has 23 Cup Series starts with 13 of those coming in 2019. He finished 19th at Talladega in October in his lone 2020 start.
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Ben Beshore
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After two years in the Xfinity Series and totaling eight wins, Beshore is rejoining the No. 18 team and leading the way for Kyle Busch atop the pit box. Beshore had previously been an engineer on the team. With one of the most talented drivers in the sport's history coming off a down year, expectations will still be high.
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After two years in the Xfinity Series and totaling eight wins, Beshore is rejoining the No. 18 team and leading the way for Kyle Busch atop the pit box. Beshore had previously been an engineer on the team. With one of the most talented drivers in the sport's history coming off a down year, expectations will still be high.
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Cliff Daniels
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Daniels got his crew-chiefing feet wet for the latter year and a half-ish of Jimmie Johnson’s full-time NASCAR career, Now, he will team with Kyle Larson as the Hendrick organization brings back the 5 car for the 2021 season. Daniels is looking for his first win and playoff appearance atop the pit box.
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Daniels got his crew-chiefing feet wet for the latter year and a half-ish of Jimmie Johnson’s full-time NASCAR career, Now, he will team with Kyle Larson as the Hendrick organization brings back the 5 car for the 2021 season. Daniels is looking for his first win and playoff appearance atop the pit box.
Hendrick Motorsports
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Rudy Fugle
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After eight seasons and 28 wins with KBM, Fugle is re-teaming with William Byron while making the move to calling his first Cup Series races. The pair worked together during a seven-win Truck season in 2016 – sandwiched around Fugle’s two Truck driver titles as a crew chief. He also earned five owners titles as well. He will be expected to guide Byron to the playoffs for a third straight year after Chad Knaus took him there the last two seasons.
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After eight seasons and 28 wins with KBM, Fugle is re-teaming with William Byron while making the move to calling his first Cup Series races. The pair worked together during a seven-win Truck season in 2016 – sandwiched around Fugle’s two Truck driver titles as a crew chief. He also earned five owners titles as well. He will be expected to guide Byron to the playoffs for a third straight year after Chad Knaus took him there the last two seasons.
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Greg Ives
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Ives will shift with driver Alex Bowman from the No. 88 to the No. 48 for the 2021 season. The two have teamed up for two wins and three playoff appearances in as many years. The team will carry Ally sponsorship and should be among the 16 in the playoffs.
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Ives will shift with driver Alex Bowman from the No. 88 to the No. 48 for the 2021 season. The two have teamed up for two wins and three playoff appearances in as many years. The team will carry Ally sponsorship and should be among the 16 in the playoffs.
Twitter: @teamlivefast
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Frank Kerr
2020 gig: Worked with multiple teams.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Kerr is a veteran of the pit box having worked as a crew chief since 2007. Kerr will guide the first-year efforts of Live Fast Motorsports.
2020 gig: Worked with multiple teams.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Kerr is a veteran of the pit box having worked as a crew chief since 2007. Kerr will guide the first-year efforts of Live Fast Motorsports.
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Travis Mack
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 99 Trackhouse Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After just about two-and-a-half years paired with Michael Annett, Mack is moving back to the Cup Series where will be the crew chief for Daniel Suarez on the new team formed by former driver Justin Marks. Mack guided Annett to the playoffs in the Xfinity Series in the past two seasons and a season-opening win at Daytona in 2019.
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 99 Trackhouse Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After just about two-and-a-half years paired with Michael Annett, Mack is moving back to the Cup Series where will be the crew chief for Daniel Suarez on the new team formed by former driver Justin Marks. Mack guided Annett to the playoffs in the Xfinity Series in the past two seasons and a season-opening win at Daytona in 2019.
Spire Motorsports
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Ryan Sparks and Kevin Bellicourt
2020 gigs: Sparks-crew chief for the No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series; Bellicourt-crew chief for the No. 19 Bill McAnally Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 gigs: Sparks--crew chief for the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series; Bellicourt--crew chief for the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Sparks will join LaJoie at his new organization after a season together at Go Fas. Bellicourt makes the move from the Truck ranks where he spent the past five seasons with a slew of young drivers. No drivers have been named yet for the No. 77 ride.
2020 gigs: Sparks-crew chief for the No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series; Bellicourt-crew chief for the No. 19 Bill McAnally Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 gigs: Sparks--crew chief for the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series; Bellicourt--crew chief for the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Sparks will join LaJoie at his new organization after a season together at Go Fas. Bellicourt makes the move from the Truck ranks where he spent the past five seasons with a slew of young drivers. No drivers have been named yet for the No. 77 ride.
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Adam Stevens
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After two titles and 28 wins over six seasons, Stevens will no longer be paired with Kyle Busch. Stevens will instead guide Christopher Bell's second Cup season, where he is expected to grab or at least contend for a playoff spot.
2020 gig: Crew chief for the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: After two titles and 28 wins over six seasons, Stevens will no longer be paired with Kyle Busch. Stevens will instead guide Christopher Bell's second Cup season, where he is expected to grab or at least contend for a playoff spot.
Chris Trotman | NASCAR via Getty Images)
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Mike Wheeler
2020 gig: Competition director for the No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Wheeler served as team co-owner Denny Hamlin’s crew chief from 2016 to 2018 and won five races with him. He also was a crew chief for one season with Matt DiBenedetto on the No. 95 team. Wheeler will be guiding Bubba Wallace through the first season of the new team where the duo will be expected to contend for a playoff spot.
2020 gig: Competition director for the No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 gig: Crew chief for the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Wheeler served as team co-owner Denny Hamlin’s crew chief from 2016 to 2018 and won five races with him. He also was a crew chief for one season with Matt DiBenedetto on the No. 95 team. Wheeler will be guiding Bubba Wallace through the first season of the new team where the duo will be expected to contend for a playoff spot.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Spire Motorsports
2021: Expanding to two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series
Outlook: After its purchase of Leavine Family Racing’s shop and charter, Spire Motorsports is planning to relocate to LFR’s race shop and expand to two cars for 2021. The organization has fielded one car – the No. 77 -- in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, scoring an upset victory at Daytona in July of 2019 with driver Justin Haley.
2021: Expanding to two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series
Outlook: After its purchase of Leavine Family Racing’s shop and charter, Spire Motorsports is planning to relocate to LFR’s race shop and expand to two cars for 2021. The organization has fielded one car – the No. 77 -- in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, scoring an upset victory at Daytona in July of 2019 with driver Justin Haley.
Trackhouse Racing
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Trackhouse Entertainment Group
2021: Starting a NASCAR Cup Series team
Outlook: The Justin Marks-owned organization will field the No. 99 Chevrolet for driver Daniel Suarez in its first season. The organization will have an operational alliance with Richard Childress Racing and be powered by ECR Engines. Marks, a former driver himself, has enlisted industry veteran Ty Norris to serve as the president of racing operations. Trackhouse will design and execute an immersive STEM education initiative aimed at exposing America’s underrepresented youth to career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
2021: Starting a NASCAR Cup Series team
Outlook: The Justin Marks-owned organization will field the No. 99 Chevrolet for driver Daniel Suarez in its first season. The organization will have an operational alliance with Richard Childress Racing and be powered by ECR Engines. Marks, a former driver himself, has enlisted industry veteran Ty Norris to serve as the president of racing operations. Trackhouse will design and execute an immersive STEM education initiative aimed at exposing America’s underrepresented youth to career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
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23XI Racing
2021: Starting a NASCAR Cup Series team
Outlook: Michael Jordan, the Basketball Hall of Famer and arguably one of the best to ever play the game, is dipping into the NASCAR ownership ranks as he starts a team with driver Denny Hamlin. The organization has purchased a charter from Germain Racing and will field a car for Bubba Wallace. The group will also have a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing – the organization which Hamlin drives for.
2021: Starting a NASCAR Cup Series team
Outlook: Michael Jordan, the Basketball Hall of Famer and arguably one of the best to ever play the game, is dipping into the NASCAR ownership ranks as he starts a team with driver Denny Hamlin. The organization has purchased a charter from Germain Racing and will field a car for Bubba Wallace. The group will also have a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing – the organization which Hamlin drives for.
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Live Fast Motorsports
2021: Starting a NASCAR Cup Series team
Outlook: Matt Tifft and B.J. McLeod are teaming up to form a Cup team as the pair have purchased a charter from Go Fas Racing owner Archie St. Hilarie’s ownership interest of Circle Sport Racing’s charter with Joe Falk. McLeod will drive the team’s No. 78 Ford and will have a strategic partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing.
2021: Starting a NASCAR Cup Series team
Outlook: Matt Tifft and B.J. McLeod are teaming up to form a Cup team as the pair have purchased a charter from Go Fas Racing owner Archie St. Hilarie’s ownership interest of Circle Sport Racing’s charter with Joe Falk. McLeod will drive the team’s No. 78 Ford and will have a strategic partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing.
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Chevrolet common engine
Outlook: Hall of Fame team owners Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress are teaming up to combine forces to establish one common Chevrolet engine specification. This will take place after the 2020 season as Hendrick and RCR (through ECR Engines) will "work together to fully leverage the knowledge and intellectual property of our two successful programs."
Outlook: Hall of Fame team owners Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress are teaming up to combine forces to establish one common Chevrolet engine specification. This will take place after the 2020 season as Hendrick and RCR (through ECR Engines) will "work together to fully leverage the knowledge and intellectual property of our two successful programs."
Action Sports | Kaulig Racing
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AJ Allmendinger
2020 ride: Part-time in No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After two part-time seasons with Kaulig Racing, Allmendinger will go full time with the organization in 2021. He earned two victories in 2020 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Allmendinger will race alongside Jeb Burton and Justin Haley next year at Kaulig. Dinger is among the favorites to win the 2021 Xfinity Series title.
2020 ride: Part-time in No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After two part-time seasons with Kaulig Racing, Allmendinger will go full time with the organization in 2021. He earned two victories in 2020 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Allmendinger will race alongside Jeb Burton and Justin Haley next year at Kaulig. Dinger is among the favorites to win the 2021 Xfinity Series title.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Jordan Anderson
2020 ride: No. 3 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 31 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Anderson is moving up on to the Xfinity ranks where he will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. The team has acquired cars from RCR and will use ECR Engines. Anderson's team had fielded a full-time truck from 2018-2020.
2020 ride: No. 3 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 31 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Anderson is moving up on to the Xfinity ranks where he will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. The team has acquired cars from RCR and will use ECR Engines. Anderson's team had fielded a full-time truck from 2018-2020.
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Jade Buford
2020 ride: Four starts in two different Xfinity Series rides.
2021 ride: No. 48 Big Machine Racing Team Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Buford will be the driver for the new team owned by Scott Borchetta. Veteran crew chief Patrick Donahue will be atop the pit box. Buford nabbed a top 10 at the Charlotte Roval last fall.
2020 ride: Four starts in two different Xfinity Series rides.
2021 ride: No. 48 Big Machine Racing Team Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Outlook: Buford will be the driver for the new team owned by Scott Borchetta. Veteran crew chief Patrick Donahue will be atop the pit box. Buford nabbed a top 10 at the Charlotte Roval last fall.
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Jeb Burton
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After a string of part-time stints, Burton has landed the seat vacated by Ross Chastain at Kaulig Racing in a full-time opportunity. While the No. 10 car didn’t win a race in 2020, it was plenty competitive and consistent week in and week out. Burton did well in limited stints with JRM the last two seasons (12 top 10s in 18 starts), so it will be interesting to see how he fares in this ride.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After a string of part-time stints, Burton has landed the seat vacated by Ross Chastain at Kaulig Racing in a full-time opportunity. While the No. 10 car didn’t win a race in 2020, it was plenty competitive and consistent week in and week out. Burton did well in limited stints with JRM the last two seasons (12 top 10s in 18 starts), so it will be interesting to see how he fares in this ride.
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Landon Cassill
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 89 Morgan Shepherd Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet with Gary Keller in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Cassill made four starts in the Xfinity Series last year and will now run a full-time season with JD Motorsports. Cassill last ran a full season in 2019 when he drove the No. 00 StarCom Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series. He previously drove for JD Motorsports from 2013-15. The Iowa native is on the hunt for his first national series win.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 89 Morgan Shepherd Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet with Gary Keller in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Cassill made four starts in the Xfinity Series last year and will now run a full-time season with JD Motorsports. Cassill last ran a full season in 2019 when he drove the No. 00 StarCom Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series. He previously drove for JD Motorsports from 2013-15. The Iowa native is on the hunt for his first national series win.
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Bayley Currey
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After running the bulk of the 2020 season for MHR, Currey is back on a full-time basis to drive the No. 74 Chevrolet. In 26 starts last year, he had three top-15 finishes.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After running the bulk of the 2020 season for MHR, Currey is back on a full-time basis to drive the No. 74 Chevrolet. In 26 starts last year, he had three top-15 finishes.
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Jeffrey Earnhardt
2020 ride: Ran most of schedule in No. 0 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 0 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After running the bulk of the season (29 races), Earnhardt will run the full season in the No. 0 Chevrolet. His best run in 2020 came at the Charlotte Roval with an 11th-place finish.
2020 ride: Ran most of schedule in No. 0 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 0 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After running the bulk of the season (29 races), Earnhardt will run the full season in the No. 0 Chevrolet. His best run in 2020 came at the Charlotte Roval with an 11th-place finish.
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Gray Gaulding
2020 ride: Part-time rides in the NASCAR Cup Series (No. 27 Rick Ware Racing Ford) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (No. 07 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet).
2021 ride: No. 52 Jimmy Means Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Gaulding will enter the 2021 season at only 23 years old and he has shown some flashes in the last two seasons in the Xfinity Series. He has two runner-up finishes on superspeedways over that time and should be a factor in those races.
2020 ride: Part-time rides in the NASCAR Cup Series (No. 27 Rick Ware Racing Ford) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (No. 07 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet).
2021 ride: No. 52 Jimmy Means Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Gaulding will enter the 2021 season at only 23 years old and he has shown some flashes in the last two seasons in the Xfinity Series. He has two runner-up finishes on superspeedways over that time and should be a factor in those races.
Adam Glanzman | ARCA Racing
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Ty Gibbs
2020 ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the ARCA Menards Series.
2021 ride: Part-time in the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He will also run the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the ARCA Menards Series.
Outlook: Gibbs will make his Xfinity Series debut on the Daytona Road Course in the second weekend of the season. The plan is for him to run for rookie honors in a shared ride with Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. He will also run for an ARCA Menards Series championship in 2021 after winning six races in the series in 2020.
2020 ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the ARCA Menards Series.
2021 ride: Part-time in the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He will also run the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the ARCA Menards Series.
Outlook: Gibbs will make his Xfinity Series debut on the Daytona Road Course in the second weekend of the season. The plan is for him to run for rookie honors in a shared ride with Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. He will also run for an ARCA Menards Series championship in 2021 after winning six races in the series in 2020.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Joe Graf Jr.
2020 ride: No. 08 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 07 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet in the NASCaR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Graf is back for another year at SS Green Light, but he will be in a different car number. Crew chief Mike Tyska will lead the team.
2020 ride: No. 08 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 07 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet in the NASCaR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Graf is back for another year at SS Green Light, but he will be in a different car number. Crew chief Mike Tyska will lead the team.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Daniel Hemric
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Hemric made 21 starts for JRM in the Xfinity Series in 2020, and now he will shift over to Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot the No. 18 Toyota in the Xfinity Series. A playoff spot is close to a certainty, but can the 29-year-old finally get that elusive first NASCAR national series win? This seems like his best chance at it.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Hemric made 21 starts for JRM in the Xfinity Series in 2020, and now he will shift over to Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot the No. 18 Toyota in the Xfinity Series. A playoff spot is close to a certainty, but can the 29-year-old finally get that elusive first NASCAR national series win? This seems like his best chance at it.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Riley Herbst
2020 ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Herbst takes over the seat vacated by Chase Briscoe’s rise to the Cup ranks and its a good seat to be in. Briscoe and the No. 98 team reached the Championship 4. Herbst was knocked out of the Round of 12 in 2020. Taking another step beyond just making the playoffs — nabbing a race win or several — is the expectation in 2021 for the 21-year-old.
2020 ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Herbst takes over the seat vacated by Chase Briscoe’s rise to the Cup ranks and its a good seat to be in. Briscoe and the No. 98 team reached the Championship 4. Herbst was knocked out of the Round of 12 in 2020. Taking another step beyond just making the playoffs — nabbing a race win or several — is the expectation in 2021 for the 21-year-old.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Colby Howard
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: The 19-year-old will run a full season in the Xfinity ranks for JD Motorsports after making 22 starts in 2020 with a best finish of 12th in the summer race at Daytona International Speedway. Veteran crew chief Wayne Carroll will be atop the pit box for Howard’s team.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: The 19-year-old will run a full season in the Xfinity ranks for JD Motorsports after making 22 starts in 2020 with a best finish of 12th in the summer race at Daytona International Speedway. Veteran crew chief Wayne Carroll will be atop the pit box for Howard’s team.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Jesse Little
2020 ride: No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 78 BJ McLeod Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Little is on the move for his second season in the Xfinity ranks. The 23-year-old will drive for BJ McLeod Motorsports in the series and look to build off his freshman season that saw him notch two top-10 finishes.
2020 ride: No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 78 BJ McLeod Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Little is on the move for his second season in the Xfinity ranks. The 23-year-old will drive for BJ McLeod Motorsports in the series and look to build off his freshman season that saw him notch two top-10 finishes.
NASCAR Roots
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Sam Mayer
2020 ride: Part-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and competed in multiple ARCA series for GMS Racing.
2021 ride: Part-time JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Mayer, the 2019 K&N Pro Series East champion, will make his Xfinity Series debut with JRM in the second half of the 2021 season and compete with the organization full time in 2022. In 2020, Mayer had nine wins across the ARCA Menards Series and its East and West divisions and also a Truck win at Bristol. Mayer will also run some Truck and ARCA action with Bret Holmes Racing in 2021.
2020 ride: Part-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and competed in multiple ARCA series for GMS Racing.
2021 ride: Part-time JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Mayer, the 2019 K&N Pro Series East champion, will make his Xfinity Series debut with JRM in the second half of the 2021 season and compete with the organization full time in 2022. In 2020, Mayer had nine wins across the ARCA Menards Series and its East and West divisions and also a Truck win at Bristol. Mayer will also run some Truck and ARCA action with Bret Holmes Racing in 2021.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Myatt Snider
2020 ride: Full season split between No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet and No. 93 RSS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Snider will run a full season with RCR’s Xfinity program. The driver, who will be 26 years old during the 2021 season, split the RCR’s Xfinity ride with several drivers in 2020 and scored his best finish of the year — a fourth-place result at Pocono for RCR. Snider should be a playoff contender under crew chief Andy Street.
2020 ride: Full season split between No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet and No. 93 RSS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Snider will run a full season with RCR’s Xfinity program. The driver, who will be 26 years old during the 2021 season, split the RCR’s Xfinity ride with several drivers in 2020 and scored his best finish of the year — a fourth-place result at Pocono for RCR. Snider should be a playoff contender under crew chief Andy Street.
Jamie Squire | Getty Images
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Ryan Vargas
2020 ride: Part-time in the Nos. 6 and 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 6 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Vargas will run a full season and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the Xfinity Series. The 20-year-old earned his first Xfinity top 10 last year with an eighth-place run at Texas.
2020 ride: Part-time in the Nos. 6 and 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 6 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: Vargas will run a full season and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the Xfinity Series. The 20-year-old earned his first Xfinity top 10 last year with an eighth-place run at Texas.
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Kyle Weatherman
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 47 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 47 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After making 23 starts for MHR in 2020, Weatherman is set for a full slate in the No. 47 Chevrolet. The 23-year-old scored his best Xfinity Series finish to date in the first Kentucky race in July — an eighth-place run.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 47 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
2021 ride: No. 47 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Outlook: After making 23 starts for MHR in 2020, Weatherman is set for a full slate in the No. 47 Chevrolet. The 23-year-old scored his best Xfinity Series finish to date in the first Kentucky race in July — an eighth-place run.
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RSS Racing
Outlook: RSS Racing is switching to Ford as its manufacturer in the NASCAR Xfinity Series after over 10 seasons with Chevrolet. Ryan Sieg will be back behind the wheel as he looks to make the playoffs for the third straight season. RSS will also partner with Reaume Brothers Racing to field the No. 23.
Outlook: RSS Racing is switching to Ford as its manufacturer in the NASCAR Xfinity Series after over 10 seasons with Chevrolet. Ryan Sieg will be back behind the wheel as he looks to make the playoffs for the third straight season. RSS will also partner with Reaume Brothers Racing to field the No. 23.
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Camping World Truck Series
Outlook: The Truck Series is going back to the Camping World branding-led name after being called the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series in 2020. The series was the Camping World Truck Series from 2009 to 2018 before shifting to the Gander-led entitlement name.
Outlook: The Truck Series is going back to the Camping World branding-led name after being called the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series in 2020. The series was the Camping World Truck Series from 2009 to 2018 before shifting to the Gander-led entitlement name.
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Spencer Davis
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 11 Spencer Davis Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 11 Spencer Davis Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Davis plans to run the full schedule a season after making 14 starts in the No. 11 Toyota. Running just over half the season, he placed 23rd in the standings in 2020.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 11 Spencer Davis Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 11 Spencer Davis Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Davis plans to run the full schedule a season after making 14 starts in the No. 11 Toyota. Running just over half the season, he placed 23rd in the standings in 2020.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Hailie Deegan
2020 ride: No. 4 DGR-Crosley Ford in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series.
2021 ride: No. 1 David Gilliland Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: After a full season in the ARCA ranks, Deegan is making the move up the NASCAR ladder. The 19-year-old will run for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the Truck Series with the expectation she will compete full time once some details are worked out. She made her series debut in October at Kansas. Veteran crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. will be atop the pit box for David Gilliland Racing (previously known as DGR-Crosley).
2020 ride: No. 4 DGR-Crosley Ford in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series.
2021 ride: No. 1 David Gilliland Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: After a full season in the ARCA ranks, Deegan is making the move up the NASCAR ladder. The 19-year-old will run for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the Truck Series with the expectation she will compete full time once some details are worked out. She made her series debut in October at Kansas. Veteran crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. will be atop the pit box for David Gilliland Racing (previously known as DGR-Crosley).
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Tate Fogleman
2020 ride: No. 02 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 12 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Fogleman returns to Young's Motorsports albeit with a new number. He will be part of a three-truck outfit and have Ryan London as his crew chief.
2020 ride: No. 02 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 12 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Fogleman returns to Young's Motorsports albeit with a new number. He will be part of a three-truck outfit and have Ryan London as his crew chief.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Carson Hocevar
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: A full-time Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Hocevar has made nine career Truck Series with the last seven coming with Niece Motorsports. He will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors with the organization. A truck number has yet to be announced for the ride for the soon-to-be 18-year-old (in January of 2021).
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: A full-time Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Hocevar has made nine career Truck Series with the last seven coming with Niece Motorsports. He will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors with the organization. A truck number has yet to be announced for the ride for the soon-to-be 18-year-old (in January of 2021).
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Raphael Lessard
2020 ride: No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: The 19-year-old Quebec, Canada native will be running a fifth full-time entry for GMS. Lessard won his first Truck race at Talladega last season with KBM.
2020 ride: No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: The 19-year-old Quebec, Canada native will be running a fifth full-time entry for GMS. Lessard won his first Truck race at Talladega last season with KBM.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Brett Moffitt
2020 ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Moffitt is sliding over to the Niece camp and running for a Truck championship after two seasons at GMS. This is the same ride that Ross Chastain took to the Championship 4 in 2019. He will also be running a full slate but not for points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the No. 02 Our Motorsports Chevrolet.
2020 ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Moffitt is sliding over to the Niece camp and running for a Truck championship after two seasons at GMS. This is the same ride that Ross Chastain took to the Championship 4 in 2019. He will also be running a full slate but not for points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the No. 02 Our Motorsports Chevrolet.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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John Hunter Nemechek
2020 ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: After spending a season in the Cup Series and nabbing three top 10s, Nemechek decided to jump in a championship-caliber Truck ride with Kyle Busch’s team. The 23-year-old driver has six career Truck wins and will be at the top of the list of title contenders as the 2021 season unfolds. Eric Phillips returns to KBM to be his crew chief.
2020 ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
2021 ride: No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: After spending a season in the Cup Series and nabbing three top 10s, Nemechek decided to jump in a championship-caliber Truck ride with Kyle Busch’s team. The 23-year-old driver has six career Truck wins and will be at the top of the list of title contenders as the 2021 season unfolds. Eric Phillips returns to KBM to be his crew chief.
Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images
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Timothy Peters
2020 ride: One start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Peters, an 11-time series winner, will field his first full-time ride since 2016. He'll drive for the newly-formed Rackley W.A.R. organization and have crew chief Chad Kendrick atop the box. The organization also has an alliance with GMS Racing.
2020 ride: One start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Peters, an 11-time series winner, will field his first full-time ride since 2016. He'll drive for the newly-formed Rackley W.A.R. organization and have crew chief Chad Kendrick atop the box. The organization also has an alliance with GMS Racing.
Jamie Squire | Getty Images
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Chase Purdy
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Purdy made seven starts for GMS in 2020 with a best finish of 10th at Kansas. Now, the 21-year-old will join on full time and compete for rookie honors in the series. The organization will field a lineup with 2020 champion Sheldon Creed, Championship 4 runner-up Zane Smith, two-time playoff driver Tyler Ankrum and Purdy.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Purdy made seven starts for GMS in 2020 with a best finish of 10th at Kansas. Now, the 21-year-old will join on full time and compete for rookie honors in the series. The organization will field a lineup with 2020 champion Sheldon Creed, Championship 4 runner-up Zane Smith, two-time playoff driver Tyler Ankrum and Purdy.
Jamie Squire | Getty Images
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Cory Roper
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 04 Roper Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 04 Roper Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Roper is going full-time racing in 2021 after three straight partial seasons. His best series finish came at Texas in 2019 -- a ninth-place result.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 04 Roper Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 04 Roper Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Roper is going full-time racing in 2021 after three straight partial seasons. His best series finish came at Texas in 2019 -- a ninth-place result.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Chandler Smith
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: The 18-year-old has made 16 starts over two years with KBM and now he will take his turn on a full-time basis. With eight top fives in those starts, its reasonable to expect him to qualify for the playoffs in a top-notch ride. Danny Stockman will be his crew chief.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: The 18-year-old has made 16 starts over two years with KBM and now he will take his turn on a full-time basis. With eight top fives in those starts, its reasonable to expect him to qualify for the playoffs in a top-notch ride. Danny Stockman will be his crew chief.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Ryan Truex
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: After two part-time NASCAR national series seasons, the 28-year-old brother of 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. will be running a full-time season in the Truck ranks. He finished ninth in the series in 2017 – his last full season in the series – and will be in the mix for a playoff spot.
2020 ride: Part-time in the No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
2021 ride: No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: After two part-time NASCAR national series seasons, the 28-year-old brother of 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. will be running a full-time season in the Truck ranks. He finished ninth in the series in 2017 – his last full season in the series – and will be in the mix for a playoff spot.
Young's Motorsports
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Kris Wright
2020 ride: Part-time in assorted rides in the ARCA Menards Series.
2021 ride: No. 02 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Wright made his Truck Series debut in 2020 at the Daytona Road Course with GMS Racing. He takes over the No. 02 seat from Tate Fogleman.
2020 ride: Part-time in assorted rides in the ARCA Menards Series.
2021 ride: No. 02 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Outlook: Wright made his Truck Series debut in 2020 at the Daytona Road Course with GMS Racing. He takes over the No. 02 seat from Tate Fogleman.
Nic Antaya | ARCA Racing
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Bret Holmes Racing
Outlook: The organization is expanding into the Camping World Truck Series ranks and will field the No. 32 Chevrolet with Shane Huffman atop the box. 2020 ARCA Menards Series champion Bret Holmes and 2020 ARCA Menards Series East champion Sam Mayer will share driving duties.
Outlook: The organization is expanding into the Camping World Truck Series ranks and will field the No. 32 Chevrolet with Shane Huffman atop the box. 2020 ARCA Menards Series champion Bret Holmes and 2020 ARCA Menards Series East champion Sam Mayer will share driving duties.
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ThorSport Racing
Outlook: ThorSport announced on Feb. 4 that it would be fielding Toyotas once again after fielding Fords for the past three seasons in the Camping World Truck Series. Drivers Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton and Ben Rhodes return for full-time duty, while Grant Enfinger will share the No. 98 with Christian Eckes.
Outlook: ThorSport announced on Feb. 4 that it would be fielding Toyotas once again after fielding Fords for the past three seasons in the Camping World Truck Series. Drivers Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton and Ben Rhodes return for full-time duty, while Grant Enfinger will share the No. 98 with Christian Eckes.
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