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2020 Dec01 Aj Allmendinger Main Image
BACK TO GALLERIES

On the Move: Changes to know for drivers, crew chiefs in 2021

By RJ Kraft | Published: 9 Feb, 2021 65
Action Sports | Kaulig Racing
BACK TO GALLERIES

1 of 65

DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 21: Anthony Alfredo, driver of the #21 iRacing Chevrolet, stands on the grid during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Toyota 200 at Darlington Raceway on May 21, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - JUNE 14: Josh Bilicki, driver of the #53 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet, sits in his car prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on June 14, 2020 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 ChevyGoods.com/Truck Hero Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on September 12, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 19: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Rush Truck Centers/Cummins Ford, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 19, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 08: Christopher Bell, driver of the #95 Procore Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 08, 2020 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #98 Ford Performance Racing School Ford, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 10, 2020 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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. 


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BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 18: Ross Chastain, driver of the #10 Dyna-Gro Seed Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 18, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 08: Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 08, 2020 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 19: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, stands on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 19, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 08: Crew chief Chris Gayle and Erik Jones, driver of the #20 STANLEY Toyota, talk on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 08, 2020 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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DOVER, DELAWARE - AUGUST 22: Corey LaJoie, driver of the #32 Drydene Ford, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Drydene 311 at Dover International Speedway on August 22, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - OCTOBER 26: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Clover Chevrolet, stands by his car during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series First Data 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 26, 2019 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

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.

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SPARTA, KENTUCKY - JULY 09: BJ McLeod, driver of the #6 TeamJDMotorsports.com Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Shady Rays 200 at Kentucky Speedway on July 09, 2020 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

14 of 65

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 24: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #96 Today.Tomorrow.Toyota Toyota, walks back onto pit road  after a rain delay during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2020 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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. 


15 of 65

DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 Cash App Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 06, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

16 of 65

Cody Ware

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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LONG POND, PA - JUNE 10:  Ben Beshore, interim crew chief of the #18 M&M's Red, White, & Blue Toyota, stands on top of his team hauler during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 10, 2017 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Beshore will be serving as interim crew chief while crew chief Adam Stevens serves his suspension for four races after a tire came off the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, driven by Kyle Busch (not pictured), during the AAA 400 Drive for Autism.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jeff Zelevansky | Getty Images

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.

18 of 65

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 17: Crew chief Cliff Daniels for Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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2020 Oct26 Rudy Fugle Main Image

Hendrick Motorsports

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.

20 of 65

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 17: Crew chief Greg Ives for William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta 'Color of the Year' Chevrolet, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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Es2s F5w8aaghwy

Twitter: @teamlivefast

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.

22 of 65

HAMPTON, GEORGIA - JUNE 06: Crew chief Travis Mack for Michael Annett, driver of the #1 Flexfit 110 Chevrolet, looks on during the NASCAR Xfinity Series EchoPark 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 06, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

23 of 65

2020 Dec10 Spirecc Main

Spire Motorsports

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.

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BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - JULY 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, and crew chief Adam Stevens walk the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on July 15, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

25 of 65

LOUDON, NH - SEPTEMBER 24:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, and crew chief Michael Wheeler stand in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bad Boy Off Road 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 24, 2016 in Loudon, New Hampshire.  (Photo by Chris Trotman/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Chris Trotman | NASCAR via Getty Images)

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.

26 of 65

LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE - AUGUST 02: Garrett Smithley, driver of the #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 02, 2020 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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. 


27 of 65

Trackhouse

Trackhouse Racing

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.

28 of 65

2020 Sept22 Jordan Hamlin Bubba Hero Image
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.

29 of 65

Tifft Mcleod
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.

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CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 19:  NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Richard Childress(left) and Rick Hendrick pose for a photo prior to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Welcome Dinner on January 19, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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."

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2020 Dec01 Aj Allmendinger Main Image

Action Sports | Kaulig Racing

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.

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HAMPTON, GEORGIA - JUNE 06: Jordan Anderson, driver of the #3 Bommarito Automotive Group Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Vet Tix Camping World 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 06, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 25:  Jade Buford prepares to drive before the GTS race during the Pirelli World Challenge Grand Prix of Texas at Circuit of The Americas on March 25, 2018 in Austin, Texas.  (Photo by Brian Cleary/Getty Images)

Brian Cleary | Getty Images

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.

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BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 18: Jeb Burton, driver of the #8 LS Tractor Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 18, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

35 of 65

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

36 of 65

Bayley Currey

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jeffrey Earnhardt, driver of the #0 TeamJDMotorsports.com Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Virginia is for Racing Lovers 250 at Richmond Raceway on September 12, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 28: Gray Gaulding, driver of the #07 Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on August 28, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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2020 Ty Gibbs

Adam Glanzman | ARCA Racing

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.

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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 28: Joe Graf Jr., driver of the #08 Bucked Up Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on August 28, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 28:  Daniel Hemric, driver of the #8 OnDeck Capital Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pocono Green 225 Recycled by J.P. Mascaro & Sons at Pocono Raceway on June 28, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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SPARTA, KENTUCKY - JULY 10:  Riley Herbst, driver of the #18 Monster Energy Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway on July 10, 2020 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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DOVER, DELAWARE - AUGUST 23: Colby Howard, driver of the #15 Project Hope Foundation Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Drydene 200 at Dover International Speedway on August 23, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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DOVER, DELAWARE - AUGUST 22: Jesse Little, driver of the #4 Drydene Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Drydene 200 at Dover International Speedway on August 22, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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2020 Sept15 Mayer Main

NASCAR Roots

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.

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LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 28:  Myatt Snider, driver of the #21 TaxSlayer Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pocono Green 225 Recycled by J.P. Mascaro & Sons at Pocono Raceway on June 28, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - JULY 25: Ryan Vargas, driver of the #15 Cranio Care Bears/FACES Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 250 at Kansas Speedway on July 25, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jamie Squire | Getty Images

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.

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Kyle Weatherman

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - OCTOBER 31: Ryan Sieg, driver of the #39 CMRRoofing.com Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Draft Top 250 at Martinsville Speedway on October 31, 2020 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

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.

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2020 Sep15 Camping World Main Image
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.

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LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 28: Spencer Davis, driver of the #11 Bear Coolers/Jones Demo and Abatement Toyota, wairs on the grid prior to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Pocono Organics 150 to benefit Farm Aid at Pocono Raceway on June 28, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - OCTOBER 17: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #17 FORD Ford, prepares for the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Clean Harbors 200at Kansas Speedway on October 17, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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).

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TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 03: Tate Fogleman, driver of the #02 Solid Rock Carriers Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Chevy Silverado 250  at Talladega Superspeedway on October 03, 2020 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 13: Carson Hocevar poses for a photo at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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).

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DOVER, DELAWARE - AUGUST 21: Raphael Lessard, driver of the #4 Canac Toyota, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series KDI Office Technology 200 at Dover International Speedway on August 21, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Brett Moffitt, driver of the #23 Concrete Supply Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on October 25, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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.

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DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: John H. Nemechek, driver of the #38 Citgard Ford, walks  the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 06, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 15:  Timothy Peters, driver of the #44 Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Chevrolet, during qualifying for NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida.  (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

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.

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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - JULY 24: Chase Purdy, driver of the #24 BAMABUGGIES.com Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 at Kansas Speedway on July 24, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jamie Squire | Getty Images

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.

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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - JULY 24: Cory Roper, driver of the #04 CarQuest Ford, drives during the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 at Kansas Speedway on July 24, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jamie Squire | Getty Images

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.

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Chandler Smith, driver of the #51 JBL/Smith General Contracting Toyota, waits on the grid prior to during the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway on September 10, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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Ryan Truex

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.

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Screen Shot 2020 12 31 At 11.23.30 Am

Young's Motorsports

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.

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200912 Arcaintoledospeedway1697 625x340

Nic Antaya | ARCA Racing

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.

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ThorSport Racing

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

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.
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