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On the Move: Changes to know for the 2022 season
By RJ Kraft | Friday, January 28, 2022
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Aric Almirola
The scoop: Almirola is not changing rides -- he will be back in the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford for a fifth consecutive season. However, he announced prior to the start of the season that he will be retiring at the end of the 2022 campaign. He enters the season with three Cup wins -- the most recent of which came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2021.
The scoop: Almirola is not changing rides -- he will be back in the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford for a fifth consecutive season. However, he announced prior to the start of the season that he will be retiring at the end of the 2022 campaign. He enters the season with three Cup wins -- the most recent of which came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2021.
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Josh Bilicki
New ride: Majority of races in the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 52 Rick Ware Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Bilicki will run the No. 77 for most of the 2022 Cup Series season with his first start coming at Auto Club Speedway at the end of February. The 2021 season marked the Wisconsin native's first full-time season in the Cup ranks with his first Cup top 10 coming in the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway.
New ride: Majority of races in the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 52 Rick Ware Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Bilicki will run the No. 77 for most of the 2022 Cup Series season with his first start coming at Auto Club Speedway at the end of February. The 2021 season marked the Wisconsin native's first full-time season in the Cup ranks with his first Cup top 10 coming in the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway.
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Harrison Burton
New ride: No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Burton is making the move up to Cup for 2022 and will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the famed No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford. Perhaps, Burton will be the driver to produce the team’s landmark 100th win. In two full seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing, Burton nabbed four Xfinity wins.
New ride: No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Burton is making the move up to Cup for 2022 and will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the famed No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford. Perhaps, Burton will be the driver to produce the team’s landmark 100th win. In two full seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing, Burton nabbed four Xfinity wins.
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Kurt Busch
New ride: No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The 2004 champion will join 23XI Racing as the organization expands to two cars in its second Cup season with Busch and Bubba Wallace behind the wheel. Busch gives the team an instant playoff contender and a driver who has wins in 19 of his 22 full-time seasons. His win at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2021 marked his 33rd at the premier series level. Much like he did with Ross Chastain, Busch should provide a solid veteran mentor for Wallace as well.
New ride: No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The 2004 champion will join 23XI Racing as the organization expands to two cars in its second Cup season with Busch and Bubba Wallace behind the wheel. Busch gives the team an instant playoff contender and a driver who has wins in 19 of his 22 full-time seasons. His win at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2021 marked his 33rd at the premier series level. Much like he did with Ross Chastain, Busch should provide a solid veteran mentor for Wallace as well.
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Ross Chastain
New ride: No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Chastain will slide over to join Trackhouse after the sale of Chip Ganassi Racing to the Justin Marks-Pitbull co-owned organization. The 2021 season marked Chastain’s lone Cup season with Ganassi, but he impressed with his strong road-course efforts and a runner-up finish at Nashville Superspeedway. He consistently improved over the second half of the season and should be in the mix for a playoff berth in 2022.
New ride: No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Chastain will slide over to join Trackhouse after the sale of Chip Ganassi Racing to the Justin Marks-Pitbull co-owned organization. The 2021 season marked Chastain’s lone Cup season with Ganassi, but he impressed with his strong road-course efforts and a runner-up finish at Nashville Superspeedway. He consistently improved over the second half of the season and should be in the mix for a playoff berth in 2022.
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Austin Cindric
New ride: No. 2 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 22 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: The 2020 Xfinity champion is moving up to Cup in 2022 but not in the ride he was initially announced to do so in. Instead of joining the Wood Brothers as announced in 2021, he will stay at Team Penske and pilot the No. 2 Ford, replacing Brad Keselowski. Cindric has gotten his feet wet at the Cup level in 2021 and has 13 Xfinity wins to his name. He’ll be the favorite for Sunoco Rookie honors in 2022.
New ride: No. 2 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 22 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: The 2020 Xfinity champion is moving up to Cup in 2022 but not in the ride he was initially announced to do so in. Instead of joining the Wood Brothers as announced in 2021, he will stay at Team Penske and pilot the No. 2 Ford, replacing Brad Keselowski. Cindric has gotten his feet wet at the Cup level in 2021 and has 13 Xfinity wins to his name. He’ll be the favorite for Sunoco Rookie honors in 2022.
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Ty Dillon
New ride: No. 42 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: Assorted part-time rides across the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After running partial schedules for Gaunt Brothers Racing (in Cup) as well as Joe Gibbs Racing, Our Motorsports and Jordan Anderson Racing (in Xfinity), Dillon is back in the Cup ranks with new coalition Petty GMS Motorsports, joining Erik Jones in the two-car stable. He ran four full-time Cup seasons with Germain Racing from 2017-20 with two top fives and six top 10s.
New ride: No. 42 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: Assorted part-time rides across the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After running partial schedules for Gaunt Brothers Racing (in Cup) as well as Joe Gibbs Racing, Our Motorsports and Jordan Anderson Racing (in Xfinity), Dillon is back in the Cup ranks with new coalition Petty GMS Motorsports, joining Erik Jones in the two-car stable. He ran four full-time Cup seasons with Germain Racing from 2017-20 with two top fives and six top 10s.
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Todd Gilliland
New ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Gilliland is moving up to the Cup ranks with Front Row Motorsports. He drove for Front Row’s Truck operation the last two seasons — making the playoffs in both — but has yet to make a start above Truck level. The 21-year-old will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and marks the fourth freshman driver to drive for Front Row in four years.
New ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Gilliland is moving up to the Cup ranks with Front Row Motorsports. He drove for Front Row’s Truck operation the last two seasons — making the playoffs in both — but has yet to make a start above Truck level. The 21-year-old will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and marks the fourth freshman driver to drive for Front Row in four years.
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Justin Haley
New ride: No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series .
The scoop: After three Xfinity seasons and four wins with Kaulig, Haley will be the team’s first full-time Cup driver in 2022. He actually already has a Cup win to his name from one of his starts with Spire Motorsports – a team he has run a partial schedule with over the past three seasons.
New ride: No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series .
The scoop: After three Xfinity seasons and four wins with Kaulig, Haley will be the team’s first full-time Cup driver in 2022. He actually already has a Cup win to his name from one of his starts with Spire Motorsports – a team he has run a partial schedule with over the past three seasons.
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Brad Keselowski
New ride: No. 6 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 2 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series .
The scoop: Keselowski is taking on a driver-owner role starting with the 2022 season at what is now known as RFK Racing. The move makes him the latest driver to own a piece of a Cup operation while still driving. The move also brings to a close his tenure at Team Penske – where he won 34 Cup races and the 2012 championship.
New ride: No. 6 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old ride: No. 2 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series .
The scoop: Keselowski is taking on a driver-owner role starting with the 2022 season at what is now known as RFK Racing. The move makes him the latest driver to own a piece of a Cup operation while still driving. The move also brings to a close his tenure at Team Penske – where he won 34 Cup races and the 2012 championship.
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Ryan Newman
New ride: TBD
Old ride: No. 6 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Newman has been a full-time Cup driver for 20 years, but at the moment, he has nothing lined up for 2022. The 18-time Cup winner has driven for Penske, SHR, RCR and Roush. He has indicated he’d be open to a part-time deal and the possibility exists that Roush could field a third car on a limited basis with him as the driver.
New ride: TBD
Old ride: No. 6 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Newman has been a full-time Cup driver for 20 years, but at the moment, he has nothing lined up for 2022. The 18-time Cup winner has driven for Penske, SHR, RCR and Roush. He has indicated he’d be open to a part-time deal and the possibility exists that Roush could field a third car on a limited basis with him as the driver.
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Ryan Preece
New ride: Reserve driver for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Old ride: No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Preece is the odd driver out after three seasons with JTG cutting back to one car. SHR has inked him to a deal that makes him the reserve driver and he can step in should any SHR driver be sidelined. He will also make a handful of starts across all three national series with Cup starts coming with Rick Ware Racing. Of note, his seven Truck starts will come with David Gilliland Racing -- the team he won with last year in Nashville.
New ride: Reserve driver for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Old ride: No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Preece is the odd driver out after three seasons with JTG cutting back to one car. SHR has inked him to a deal that makes him the reserve driver and he can step in should any SHR driver be sidelined. He will also make a handful of starts across all three national series with Cup starts coming with Rick Ware Racing. Of note, his seven Truck starts will come with David Gilliland Racing -- the team he won with last year in Nashville.
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Bootie Barker
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Interim crew chief for the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Barker served as the interim crew chief for the final eight races of Bubba Wallace’s first year at 23XI and got his first Cup win atop the box in just their third start together (fall Talladega race). He’ll look to continue the team and Wallace’s momentum from its late season runs together as the organization looks to reach the playoffs in Year 2.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Interim crew chief for the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Barker served as the interim crew chief for the final eight races of Bubba Wallace’s first year at 23XI and got his first Cup win atop the box in just their third start together (fall Talladega race). He’ll look to continue the team and Wallace’s momentum from its late season runs together as the organization looks to reach the playoffs in Year 2.
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Drew Blickensderfer
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After three seasons and a 2021 Daytona 500 win with Michael McDowell, Blickensderfer is on the move to lead Aric Almirola and the No. 10 team. The pairing is a reunion as they were paired together for 35 races in 2016-17 at Richard Petty Motorsports. Almirola has made the playoffs all four years at SHR so that is the expectation in 2022.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After three seasons and a 2021 Daytona 500 win with Michael McDowell, Blickensderfer is on the move to lead Aric Almirola and the No. 10 team. The pairing is a reunion as they were paired together for 35 races in 2016-17 at Richard Petty Motorsports. Almirola has made the playoffs all four years at SHR so that is the expectation in 2022.
GMS Racing
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Jerame Donley
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 94 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Engineer for the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Donley will serve as the crew chief for Ty Dillon. He spent nine seasons as an engineer at Ganassi on the No. 42 team and had worked at Hendrick Motorsports as an underneath mechanic, winning two titles as part of the No. 48 team.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 94 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Engineer for the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Donley will serve as the crew chief for Ty Dillon. He spent nine seasons as an engineer at Ganassi on the No. 42 team and had worked at Hendrick Motorsports as an underneath mechanic, winning two titles as part of the No. 48 team.
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Dave Elenz
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 43 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After seven seasons and two Xfinity championships atop the pit box at JR Motorsports, Elenz is moving up the ladder to go to the Cup level and work with Erik Jones and the No. 43 team. Guiding Jones to a better season than his 2021 one (24th in standings, six top 10s) will be Elenz’s primary task.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 43 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After seven seasons and two Xfinity championships atop the pit box at JR Motorsports, Elenz is moving up the ladder to go to the Cup level and work with Erik Jones and the No. 43 team. Guiding Jones to a better season than his 2021 one (24th in standings, six top 10s) will be Elenz’s primary task.
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Scott Graves
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Graves shifted over to the No. 17 team for the final five races of the 2021 season. Moving over to the second Roush car reteams Graves with Chris Buescher, who he won the 2015 Xfinity title with. In their five races together to close out 2021, Buescher had a top five and two top 10s. He should have Buescher at least on the fridges of a playoff spot on points.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Graves shifted over to the No. 17 team for the final five races of the 2021 season. Moving over to the second Roush car reteams Graves with Chris Buescher, who he won the 2015 Xfinity title with. In their five races together to close out 2021, Buescher had a top five and two top 10s. He should have Buescher at least on the fridges of a playoff spot on points.
Front Row Motorsports
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Blake Harris
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Car chief for the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Harris moves to Front Row to lead the No. 34 team and Michael McDowell after a successful stint as a car chief working with Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 19 team. He was also a part of the 2017 championship team at Furniture Row Racing. This is his first full-time stint as a crew chief.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Car chief for the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Harris moves to Front Row to lead the No. 34 team and Michael McDowell after a successful stint as a car chief working with Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 19 team. He was also a part of the 2017 championship team at Furniture Row Racing. This is his first full-time stint as a crew chief.
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Jonathan Hassler
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 12 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Hassler spent a little over the second half of the season as the crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing with driver Matt DiBenedetto. He sparked an uptick in performance in the 21 camp, and now he moves over to guide championship contender Ryan Blaney after the retirement of Todd Gordon.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 12 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Hassler spent a little over the second half of the season as the crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing with driver Matt DiBenedetto. He sparked an uptick in performance in the 21 camp, and now he moves over to guide championship contender Ryan Blaney after the retirement of Todd Gordon.
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Matt McCall
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford team in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet team in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After seven seasons with Ganassi, McCall is heading to Roush to work its new driver, Brad Keselowski. McCall was paired with Jamie McMurray for four seasons and then Kurt Busch for the past three seasons. Busch and McCall combined for three wins together, and now he will be paired with a driver who has won at least one race in each of the 11 Cup seasons.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford team in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet team in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After seven seasons with Ganassi, McCall is heading to Roush to work its new driver, Brad Keselowski. McCall was paired with Jamie McMurray for four seasons and then Kurt Busch for the past three seasons. Busch and McCall combined for three wins together, and now he will be paired with a driver who has won at least one race in each of the 11 Cup seasons.
Streeter Lecka | NASCAR via Getty Images
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Trent Owens
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Owens has been a full-time Cup crew chief since 2014 and he will be responsible for calling the shots atop the box for Justin Haley's team. He has one Cup win coming in 2014 when he was teamed with Aric Almirola.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Owens has been a full-time Cup crew chief since 2014 and he will be responsible for calling the shots atop the box for Justin Haley's team. He has one Cup win coming in 2014 when he was teamed with Aric Almirola.
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Billy Scott
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Head of race engineering at Richard Childress Racing.
The scoop: Scott will reteam with Kurt Busch in his new gig at 23XI Racing. The two scored a win together during their lone season as a pairing at Stewart-Haas Racing and reached the Round of 8 of the 2018 playoffs. Scott has been a crew chief at the Cup level for six full-time seasons from 2014 to 2019 at both Michael Waltrip Racing and SHR. He’ll be guiding the new team at 23XI as the second-year organization moves to two cars and look to extend Busch’s playoff appearance streak to 10 years.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Head of race engineering at Richard Childress Racing.
The scoop: Scott will reteam with Kurt Busch in his new gig at 23XI Racing. The two scored a win together during their lone season as a pairing at Stewart-Haas Racing and reached the Round of 8 of the 2018 playoffs. Scott has been a crew chief at the Cup level for six full-time seasons from 2014 to 2019 at both Michael Waltrip Racing and SHR. He’ll be guiding the new team at 23XI as the second-year organization moves to two cars and look to extend Busch’s playoff appearance streak to 10 years.
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Phil Surgen
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Surgen has been a crew chief for about a season-and-a-half and helped Ross Chastain make significant strides in the latter two-thirds of his Cup season with Ganassi. At Trackhouse, the pairing will remain intact with an eye on reaching the playoffs.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Surgen has been a crew chief for about a season-and-a-half and helped Ross Chastain make significant strides in the latter two-thirds of his Cup season with Ganassi. At Trackhouse, the pairing will remain intact with an eye on reaching the playoffs.
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Brian Wilson
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 22 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After six seasons working in the Xfinity ranks with an assortment of Penske drivers and most recently with Austin Cindric, Wilson is going to guide Harrison Burton’s rookie season at the Cup level. Wilson won 13 races and a Xfinity championship over the last three seasons with Cindric and filled in atop Keselowski’s Cup pit box for four races in 2017.
New gig: Crew chief for the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Old gig: Crew chief for the No. 22 Team Penske Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After six seasons working in the Xfinity ranks with an assortment of Penske drivers and most recently with Austin Cindric, Wilson is going to guide Harrison Burton’s rookie season at the Cup level. Wilson won 13 races and a Xfinity championship over the last three seasons with Cindric and filled in atop Keselowski’s Cup pit box for four races in 2017.
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Car configuration
The Next Gen car will use a 4-inch rear spoiler for downforce and will use engines with 670 target horsepower as a baseline. The base rules configuration will be used at road courses, short tracks and intermediate-sized circuits during the 2022 season. A separate superspeedway rules package for the Cup Series' largest and fastest ovals -- Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway as well as the repaved/reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway will use a 510-horsepower target with a 7-inch rear spoiler.
The Next Gen car will use a 4-inch rear spoiler for downforce and will use engines with 670 target horsepower as a baseline. The base rules configuration will be used at road courses, short tracks and intermediate-sized circuits during the 2022 season. A separate superspeedway rules package for the Cup Series' largest and fastest ovals -- Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway as well as the repaved/reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway will use a 510-horsepower target with a 7-inch rear spoiler.
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Next Gen car
The scoop: For 2022, Cup will feature a new car called the Next Gen. The car has a more of a look and feel of the manufacturer’s respective street cars (Chevy ZL1, Ford Mustang, Toyota Camry). The car will have a body that is fully symmetrical to reduce aerodynamic forces and put an emphasis back on race-car setup and driver control. The new composite material of the car is more durable and will allow more beating and banging without loss of performance. The wheels on the car are 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and wider Goodyear tires will allow for softer tire compounds.
The scoop: For 2022, Cup will feature a new car called the Next Gen. The car has a more of a look and feel of the manufacturer’s respective street cars (Chevy ZL1, Ford Mustang, Toyota Camry). The car will have a body that is fully symmetrical to reduce aerodynamic forces and put an emphasis back on race-car setup and driver control. The new composite material of the car is more durable and will allow more beating and banging without loss of performance. The wheels on the car are 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and wider Goodyear tires will allow for softer tire compounds.
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Revised penalty system
The scoop: NASCAR officials released a more stringent penalty structure for the 2022 Cup Series season. The three-tiered system -- from L1 to L3 -- was put in place before the debut of the Next Gen car model, which hits the track in season-opening events next month.
The structure reserves its harshest L3 penalty options for the tampering and counterfeiting of Next Gen single-source vendor parts. Those infractions join testing policy violations with infractions in three significant off-limits areas – engine, tires, fuel – under the L3 umbrella. That heading includes the deduction of Cup Series points, playoff points, crewmember suspensions and postseason bans among the penalty options.
Penalties for lesser violations found in pre-race inspection during a race weekend remain largely intact.
The scoop: NASCAR officials released a more stringent penalty structure for the 2022 Cup Series season. The three-tiered system -- from L1 to L3 -- was put in place before the debut of the Next Gen car model, which hits the track in season-opening events next month.
The structure reserves its harshest L3 penalty options for the tampering and counterfeiting of Next Gen single-source vendor parts. Those infractions join testing policy violations with infractions in three significant off-limits areas – engine, tires, fuel – under the L3 umbrella. That heading includes the deduction of Cup Series points, playoff points, crewmember suspensions and postseason bans among the penalty options.
Penalties for lesser violations found in pre-race inspection during a race weekend remain largely intact.
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23XI Racing
The scoop: The Michael Jordan-Denny Hamlin co-owned team is expanding to two cars for its second season with Kurt Busch joining the fold as a teammate to Bubba Wallace. The move will see the veteran join the fold, and he should prove a valuable racing mentor to Wallace.
The scoop: The Michael Jordan-Denny Hamlin co-owned team is expanding to two cars for its second season with Kurt Busch joining the fold as a teammate to Bubba Wallace. The move will see the veteran join the fold, and he should prove a valuable racing mentor to Wallace.
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Chip Ganassi Racing
The scoop: Chip Ganassi announced June 30 he has sold the NASCAR operations of Chip Ganassi Racing to Trackhouse Racing Team. The longtime team owner is leaving the stock-car world but plans to still be active in racing.
The scoop: Chip Ganassi announced June 30 he has sold the NASCAR operations of Chip Ganassi Racing to Trackhouse Racing Team. The longtime team owner is leaving the stock-car world but plans to still be active in racing.
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JTG Daugherty Racing
The scoop: The organization is scaling down to one car for the 2022 Cup season. The organization started out as a one-car effort from 2009-16 before going to a two-car team for the past five seasons. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be the driver for 2022.
The scoop: The organization is scaling down to one car for the 2022 Cup season. The organization started out as a one-car effort from 2009-16 before going to a two-car team for the past five seasons. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be the driver for 2022.
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Kaulig Racing
The scoop: Kaulig Racing will be running two full-time Cup teams in 2022 after making a handful of starts on road courses and superspeedways over the last two seasons. Team owner Matt Kaulig has made no secret about wanting to move up the NASCAR ladder in ownership and has secured two charters to do so. Justin Haley will drive full-time for the team in the No. 31, and AJ Allmendinger (14 races plus Busch Light Clash and All-Star Race), Daniel Hemric (8 races plus Daytona Duels) and Noah Gragson (14 races) will split the second car. Allmendinger already scored the organization’s first Cup win in 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Matt Swiderski will again call the shots as crew chief of the No. 16 but this year that car will also run a full season.
The scoop: Kaulig Racing will be running two full-time Cup teams in 2022 after making a handful of starts on road courses and superspeedways over the last two seasons. Team owner Matt Kaulig has made no secret about wanting to move up the NASCAR ladder in ownership and has secured two charters to do so. Justin Haley will drive full-time for the team in the No. 31, and AJ Allmendinger (14 races plus Busch Light Clash and All-Star Race), Daniel Hemric (8 races plus Daytona Duels) and Noah Gragson (14 races) will split the second car. Allmendinger already scored the organization’s first Cup win in 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Matt Swiderski will again call the shots as crew chief of the No. 16 but this year that car will also run a full season.
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Petty GMS Motorsports
The scoop: Richard Petty Motorsports has agreed to sell a majority interest to Maury Gallagher, owner of GMS Racing. The agreement includes both of Petty's Cup Series charters for the 2022 season and the team will now be known as Petty GMS Motorsports with the organization fielding the Nos. 42 (Ty Dillon) and 43 (Erik Jones) in the Cup Series.
The scoop: Richard Petty Motorsports has agreed to sell a majority interest to Maury Gallagher, owner of GMS Racing. The agreement includes both of Petty's Cup Series charters for the 2022 season and the team will now be known as Petty GMS Motorsports with the organization fielding the Nos. 42 (Ty Dillon) and 43 (Erik Jones) in the Cup Series.
Zack Albert | NASCAR Digital Media
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Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing
The scoop: With Brad Keselowski becoming a driver-owner starting with the 2022 season, the organization has rebranded itself as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing or RFK Racing for short. The branding includes a new organizational logo structure as well as a rebranding of the team’s No. 6 mark.
The scoop: With Brad Keselowski becoming a driver-owner starting with the 2022 season, the organization has rebranded itself as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing or RFK Racing for short. The branding includes a new organizational logo structure as well as a rebranding of the team’s No. 6 mark.
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Rick Ware Racing
The scoop: Rick Ware Racing will join the Ford Performance family at the start of the 2022 Cup season, with the launch of the new Next Gen car. In addition to a new manufacturer, RWR has formed an alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Yates Engines.
The scoop: Rick Ware Racing will join the Ford Performance family at the start of the 2022 Cup season, with the launch of the new Next Gen car. In addition to a new manufacturer, RWR has formed an alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Yates Engines.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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StarCom Racing
The scoop: The team is selling its charter on the No. 00 before the 2022 Cup season, and the 2021 season finale marks its last race. According to reports, the charter was sold to 23XI Racing.
The scoop: The team is selling its charter on the No. 00 before the 2022 Cup season, and the 2021 season finale marks its last race. According to reports, the charter was sold to 23XI Racing.
Team Hezeberg
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Team Hezeberg
The scoop: Team Hezeberg powered by Reaume Brothers will be running a part-time schedule in the No. 27 Ford starting in 2022. The team will feature NASCAR Whelen Euro Champion Loris Hezemans and former Formula One Champion Jacques Villeneuve behind the wheel. In its initial season, the team plans to run all the road-course races and potentially some short-track races as well.
The scoop: Team Hezeberg powered by Reaume Brothers will be running a part-time schedule in the No. 27 Ford starting in 2022. The team will feature NASCAR Whelen Euro Champion Loris Hezemans and former Formula One Champion Jacques Villeneuve behind the wheel. In its initial season, the team plans to run all the road-course races and potentially some short-track races as well.
Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media
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Trackhouse Racing Team
The scoop: Trackhouse Racing Team has purchased the NASCAR operation of Chip Ganassi Racing and will take over those assets – race shop, two charters, etc – at the end of the 2021 season. The team will expand to field two cars in 2022 – Daniel Suarez will pilot one, while Ross Chastain will come aboard to drive the other.
The scoop: Trackhouse Racing Team has purchased the NASCAR operation of Chip Ganassi Racing and will take over those assets – race shop, two charters, etc – at the end of the 2021 season. The team will expand to field two cars in 2022 – Daniel Suarez will pilot one, while Ross Chastain will come aboard to drive the other.
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Xfinity Series logo
The scoop: The logo for the 2022 season will feature a purple border as opposed to the red look currently utilized for the series where names are made.
The scoop: The logo for the 2022 season will feature a purple border as opposed to the red look currently utilized for the series where names are made.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Anthony Alfredo
New ride: No. 23 Our Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After one season with Front Row, Alfredo joins Brett Moffitt and Jeb Burton at Our Motorsports, which expanded to three Xfinity Series cars for 2022. Alfredo had nine top-10 finishes in 19 Xfinity starts in 2020 for Richard Childress Racing before moving to Front Row in 2021.
New ride: No. 23 Our Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After one season with Front Row, Alfredo joins Brett Moffitt and Jeb Burton at Our Motorsports, which expanded to three Xfinity Series cars for 2022. Alfredo had nine top-10 finishes in 19 Xfinity starts in 2020 for Richard Childress Racing before moving to Front Row in 2021.
Streeter Lecka | Getty Images
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Jeb Burton
New ride: No. 27 Our Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Burton had 16 top-10 finishes and one win (Talladega) in his 2021 season with Kaulig Racing. He finished 10th in the final standings, but Kaulig put Landon Cassill in the No. 10 ride for 2022, prompting a move to Our Motorsports for Burton.
New ride: No. 27 Our Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Burton had 16 top-10 finishes and one win (Talladega) in his 2021 season with Kaulig Racing. He finished 10th in the final standings, but Kaulig put Landon Cassill in the No. 10 ride for 2022, prompting a move to Our Motorsports for Burton.
James Gilbert | Getty Images
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Josh Berry
New ride: No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part-time in No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After a solid part-time stint with JRM in 2021 that included an emotional victory at Martinsville Speedway and an additional win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the veteran Late Model driver will run for a Xfinity championship in 2022 with the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-co-owned organization. Earnhardt made no secret about trying to have additional opportunities for Berry, and now he has one. Berry should be a lock for the Xfinity playoffs next season.
New ride: No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part-time in No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After a solid part-time stint with JRM in 2021 that included an emotional victory at Martinsville Speedway and an additional win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the veteran Late Model driver will run for a Xfinity championship in 2022 with the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-co-owned organization. Earnhardt made no secret about trying to have additional opportunities for Berry, and now he has one. Berry should be a lock for the Xfinity playoffs next season.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Landon Cassill
New ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 4 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Cassill is on the move to be part of the three-car lineup at Kaulig -- his best full-time ride in his NASCAR career thus far. This is a ride that Jeb Burton and Ross Chastain piloted to the playoffs, so the veteran should be able to do the same and maybe grab a win as well. A longtime competitor of the Cup and Xfinity ranks, Cassill essentially ran a full slate with JD Motorsports in 2021. Jason Trinchere will sit atop the box for Cassill after a previous stint with AJ Allmendinger.
New ride: No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 4 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Cassill is on the move to be part of the three-car lineup at Kaulig -- his best full-time ride in his NASCAR career thus far. This is a ride that Jeb Burton and Ross Chastain piloted to the playoffs, so the veteran should be able to do the same and maybe grab a win as well. A longtime competitor of the Cup and Xfinity ranks, Cassill essentially ran a full slate with JD Motorsports in 2021. Jason Trinchere will sit atop the box for Cassill after a previous stint with AJ Allmendinger.
Jared East | Getty Images
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Sheldon Creed
New ride: No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 2 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Creed is moving up to a full-time Xfinity effort with RCR after three full-time seasons in the Camping World Truck ranks. He won the 2020 Truck championship and has posted eight wins in the series in the last two seasons. The 24-year-old should be in the mix for Sunoco Rookie honors at the Xfinity level as well as a playoff spot.
New ride: No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 2 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Creed is moving up to a full-time Xfinity effort with RCR after three full-time seasons in the Camping World Truck ranks. He won the 2020 Truck championship and has posted eight wins in the series in the last two seasons. The 24-year-old should be in the mix for Sunoco Rookie honors at the Xfinity level as well as a playoff spot.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Bayley Currey
New ride: A JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part time in both the No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet and the No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet.
The scoop: After making seven starts towards the end of the year with JD Motorsports, Currey will return to the organization for full-time duty in 2022. A car number has yet to be announced for Currey.
New ride: A JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part time in both the No. 74 Mike Harmon Racing Chevrolet and the No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet.
The scoop: After making seven starts towards the end of the year with JD Motorsports, Currey will return to the organization for full-time duty in 2022. A car number has yet to be announced for Currey.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Daniel Hemric
New ride: No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After a championship season at JGR, Hemric is moving to Kaulig to fill the open seat by Justin Haley’s ascension to the Cup level with the organization's new full-time premier series ride. With the victory drought broken, Hemric is a threat to repeat much like Tyler Reddick did in 2018-19 with two different organizations. Hemric will also make some Cup starts for Kaulig as well.
New ride: No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After a championship season at JGR, Hemric is moving to Kaulig to fill the open seat by Justin Haley’s ascension to the Cup level with the organization's new full-time premier series ride. With the victory drought broken, Hemric is a threat to repeat much like Tyler Reddick did in 2018-19 with two different organizations. Hemric will also make some Cup starts for Kaulig as well.
Sarah Stier | Getty Images
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Austin Hill
New ride: A Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After four full-time seasons (three coming with HRE) and eight wins in the Truck ranks, the 27-year-old Georgia native is making a full-time move to run Xfinity with RCR. He has made a number of starts in the series in the last three years. Hill should be a playoff contender and a factor in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year race alongside teammate Sheldon Creed.
New ride: A Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After four full-time seasons (three coming with HRE) and eight wins in the Truck ranks, the 27-year-old Georgia native is making a full-time move to run Xfinity with RCR. He has made a number of starts in the series in the last three years. Hill should be a playoff contender and a factor in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year race alongside teammate Sheldon Creed.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Jesse Iwuji
New ride: A ride with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part-time rides in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop; Iwuji is partnering with Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to form Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. The U.S. Navy veteran intends to run a full-time Xfinity schedule and compete for Rookie of the Year honors. To date, the 34-year-old has made 20 NASCAR national series starts with five coming in the Xfinity ranks.
New ride: A ride with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part-time rides in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop; Iwuji is partnering with Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to form Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. The U.S. Navy veteran intends to run a full-time Xfinity schedule and compete for Rookie of the Year honors. To date, the 34-year-old has made 20 NASCAR national series starts with five coming in the Xfinity ranks.
Meg Oliphant | Getty Images
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Sam Mayer
New ride: No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part-time in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Mayer will run a full season in the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet after making 18 starts in the series in 2021. His record was up and down with one top five, six top 10s and five crash-induced exits from races. The second-year Xfinity driver is in a ride that can win and make the playoffs, but he'll need to work on consistent finishes to achieve that.
New ride: No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Part-time in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Mayer will run a full season in the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet after making 18 starts in the series in 2021. His record was up and down with one top five, six top 10s and five crash-induced exits from races. The second-year Xfinity driver is in a ride that can win and make the playoffs, but he'll need to work on consistent finishes to achieve that.
Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images
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Stefan Parsons
New ride: A full-time ride with BJ McLeod Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Assorted rides with BJ McLeod Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After three seasons of assorted part-time Xfinity rides with McLeod, Parsons will run a full season for the first time in his career. The 23-year-old has made 26 series starts over the last three years.
New ride: A full-time ride with BJ McLeod Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: Assorted rides with BJ McLeod Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After three seasons of assorted part-time Xfinity rides with McLeod, Parsons will run a full season for the first time in his career. The 23-year-old has made 26 series starts over the last three years.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Myatt Snider
New ride: No. 31 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After a season in which Snider scored his first national series win and reached the Xfinity playoffs, he will move to Jordan Anderson Racing to pilot the No. 31 Chevrolet. Jordan Anderson Racing’s cars are built by RCR with engines supplied by ECR. Don’t sleep on Snider as a playoff driver as multiple drivers had solid runs piloting the car in 2021.
New ride: No. 31 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After a season in which Snider scored his first national series win and reached the Xfinity playoffs, he will move to Jordan Anderson Racing to pilot the No. 31 Chevrolet. Jordan Anderson Racing’s cars are built by RCR with engines supplied by ECR. Don’t sleep on Snider as a playoff driver as multiple drivers had solid runs piloting the car in 2021.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Josh Williams
New ride: No. 78 BJ McLeod Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 92 DGM Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Williams is on the move after running the bulk of his Xfinity career with team owner Mario Gosselin. He moves to BJ McLeod's organization where he looks to build on his eight top 10s in the Xfinity Series and potentially make some Cup starts with Live Fast Motorsports.
New ride: No. 78 BJ McLeod Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Old ride: No. 92 DGM Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Williams is on the move after running the bulk of his Xfinity career with team owner Mario Gosselin. He moves to BJ McLeod's organization where he looks to build on his eight top 10s in the Xfinity Series and potentially make some Cup starts with Live Fast Motorsports.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Alpha Prime Racing
The scoop: Xfinity driver-owner Tommy Joe Martins and Xfinity part-time driver Caesar Bacarella are partnering to form Alpha Prime Racing. Both Martins and Bacarella (once his suspension is lifted) will run part of the team’s schedule, but they have also inked rising talent Rajah Caruth to run at least three races with the possibility for more during the season as well. Josh Bilicki, Kaz Grala, Sage Karam, Howie DiSavino III and Ryan Ellis are scheduled drivers for the team as well.
The scoop: Xfinity driver-owner Tommy Joe Martins and Xfinity part-time driver Caesar Bacarella are partnering to form Alpha Prime Racing. Both Martins and Bacarella (once his suspension is lifted) will run part of the team’s schedule, but they have also inked rising talent Rajah Caruth to run at least three races with the possibility for more during the season as well. Josh Bilicki, Kaz Grala, Sage Karam, Howie DiSavino III and Ryan Ellis are scheduled drivers for the team as well.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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Big Machine Racing
The scoop: The second-year team has entered into an enhanced partnership with Richard Childress Racing with chassis and engineering support, and that partnership should lead to an uptick in performance. The team is also relocating to RCR’s Welcome, North Carolina, campus. RCR also has an alliance with Kaulig Racing, and that organization has made significant strides in recent years. We wouldn’t expect that big of a jump, but it’s reasonable to expect driver Jade Buford to improve on his freshman campaign.
The scoop: The second-year team has entered into an enhanced partnership with Richard Childress Racing with chassis and engineering support, and that partnership should lead to an uptick in performance. The team is also relocating to RCR’s Welcome, North Carolina, campus. RCR also has an alliance with Kaulig Racing, and that organization has made significant strides in recent years. We wouldn’t expect that big of a jump, but it’s reasonable to expect driver Jade Buford to improve on his freshman campaign.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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Emerling-Gase Motorsports
The scoop: Joey Gase and Patrick Emerling are forming their own team. Their No. 35 entry will run a full schedule while a second car will run a partial slate. The driver line up consists of Emerling, Gase, Shane Lee as well as others to be announced per a team release.
The scoop: Joey Gase and Patrick Emerling are forming their own team. Their No. 35 entry will run a full schedule while a second car will run a partial slate. The driver line up consists of Emerling, Gase, Shane Lee as well as others to be announced per a team release.
NASCAR
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Our Motorsports
The scoop: Our Motorsports is fielding three full-time teams in 2022 after fielding two teams in 2021. Brett Moffitt, Jeb Burton and Anthony Alfredo will run the full season for the organization. Moffitt has driven 60 races over the last two seasons for the organization, while Burton and Alfredo are new to the team. The team also relocated to Welcome, North Carolina this offseason.
The scoop: Our Motorsports is fielding three full-time teams in 2022 after fielding two teams in 2021. Brett Moffitt, Jeb Burton and Anthony Alfredo will run the full season for the organization. Moffitt has driven 60 races over the last two seasons for the organization, while Burton and Alfredo are new to the team. The team also relocated to Welcome, North Carolina this offseason.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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RSS Racing
The scoop: For its second Xfinity season fielding Fords, RSS will have a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing. Ryan Sieg is returning for his ninth full-time Xfinity season and coming off his first season not making the playoffs since 2018.
The scoop: For its second Xfinity season fielding Fords, RSS will have a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing. Ryan Sieg is returning for his ninth full-time Xfinity season and coming off his first season not making the playoffs since 2018.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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SS Green Light Racing
The scoop: SS Green Light Racing will have a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2022. That relationship will also see Cole Custer and Chase Briscoe each make a handful of starts in a second car for the team. Joe Graf Jr. returns to run the team's full-time entry.
The scoop: SS Green Light Racing will have a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2022. That relationship will also see Cole Custer and Chase Briscoe each make a handful of starts in a second car for the team. Joe Graf Jr. returns to run the team's full-time entry.
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Niece Motorsports
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Lawless Alan
New ride: No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Part-time rides for Reaume Brothers Racing and Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: The 21-year-old Alan will run a full season and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors alongside his new teammate Dean Thompson. Alan has made eight Truck starts — all of those coming in 2021.
New ride: No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Part-time rides for Reaume Brothers Racing and Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: The 21-year-old Alan will run a full season and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors alongside his new teammate Dean Thompson. Alan has made eight Truck starts — all of those coming in 2021.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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Tyler Ankrum
New ride: No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 26 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After two seasons with GMS, Ankrum is moving to HRE where he will fill the seat vacated by Austin Hill. The 20-year-old driver missed the playoffs after reaching the postseason the previous two seasons and making it back to the postseason will be the expectation in this ride — his third in four seasons.
New ride: No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 26 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After two seasons with GMS, Ankrum is moving to HRE where he will fill the seat vacated by Austin Hill. The 20-year-old driver missed the playoffs after reaching the postseason the previous two seasons and making it back to the postseason will be the expectation in this ride — his third in four seasons.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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Spencer Boyd
New ride: No. 12 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 20 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Same team, new number for Boyd as he remains with Young's but shifts over to the No. 12 for 2022. The 26-year-old has a Truck win to his name from 2018 at Talladega.
New ride: No. 12 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 20 Young's Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Same team, new number for Boyd as he remains with Young's but shifts over to the No. 12 for 2022. The 26-year-old has a Truck win to his name from 2018 at Talladega.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Matt DiBenedetto
New ride: No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After two seasons at Wood Brothers, DiBenedetto will not be back with the team. The 2022 season will see DiBenedetto make his Truck debut as he will run a full season for Rackley W.A.R. -- a second year Truck program.
New ride: No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After two seasons at Wood Brothers, DiBenedetto will not be back with the team. The 2022 season will see DiBenedetto make his Truck debut as he will run a full season for Rackley W.A.R. -- a second year Truck program.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Grant Enfinger
New ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 98 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
The scoop: After spending the bulk of five seasons with ThorSport and winning five races there, Enfinger is moving to GMS Racing – the place where he got his first Truck win in 2016 at Talladega Superspeedway. He has a two-year deal with GMS and should be among the drivers to score a win and contend for the 2022 championship.
New ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 98 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
The scoop: After spending the bulk of five seasons with ThorSport and winning five races there, Enfinger is moving to GMS Racing – the place where he got his first Truck win in 2016 at Talladega Superspeedway. He has a two-year deal with GMS and should be among the drivers to score a win and contend for the 2022 championship.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
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Tate Fogleman
New ride: No. 30 On Point Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Fogleman scored his first Truck win in October at Talladega Superspeedway with a last-lap pass for the victory, and now he will drive for the Steven Lane-owned On Point Motorsports. Danny Bohn drove the bulk of the races for the team in 2021.
New ride: No. 30 On Point Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Fogleman scored his first Truck win in October at Talladega Superspeedway with a last-lap pass for the victory, and now he will drive for the Steven Lane-owned On Point Motorsports. Danny Bohn drove the bulk of the races for the team in 2021.
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Timmy Hill
New ride: No. 56 Hill Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Assorted part-time rides across all three national series.
The scoop: Hill will run a full season for the team he owns after splitting the ride with his brother in 2021. He scored three top 10s in 10 starts last season and could be a dark-horse playoff driver in 2022.
New ride: No. 56 Hill Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Assorted part-time rides across all three national series.
The scoop: Hill will run a full season for the team he owns after splitting the ride with his brother in 2021. He scored three top 10s in 10 starts last season and could be a dark-horse playoff driver in 2022.
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Colby Howard
New ride: A McAnally-Hilgemann Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Howard is moving to the Truck ranks as McAnally-Hilgemann Racing expands its Truck operation to two teams for 2022. Howard spent the last two Xfinity seasons with JD Motorsports.
New ride: A McAnally-Hilgemann Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: Howard is moving to the Truck ranks as McAnally-Hilgemann Racing expands its Truck operation to two teams for 2022. Howard spent the last two Xfinity seasons with JD Motorsports.
CR7 Motorsports
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Blaine Perkins
New ride: No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Part-time in the No. 23 Our Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After making his NASCAR national series debut in 2021, Perkins will man the single Chevrolet entry for CR7 Motorsports full time in the Camping World Truck Series for the 2022 season. Veteran leader Doug George will be the crew chief.
New ride: No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Part-time in the No. 23 Our Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The scoop: After making his NASCAR national series debut in 2021, Perkins will man the single Chevrolet entry for CR7 Motorsports full time in the Camping World Truck Series for the 2022 season. Veteran leader Doug George will be the crew chief.
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Chase Purdy
New ride: No. 61 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After one full-time season with GMS, Purdy is moving to HRE. The move sees him go from one playoff-caliber organization to another. In his rookie season, the 22-year-old grabbed two top 10s with both of those coming in the final seven races of the season.
New ride: No. 61 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After one full-time season with GMS, Purdy is moving to HRE. The move sees him go from one playoff-caliber organization to another. In his rookie season, the 22-year-old grabbed two top 10s with both of those coming in the final seven races of the season.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Zane Smith
New ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 21 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After two straight runner-up finishes and Championship 4 appearances in the Truck ranks, Smith is moving over to Front Row. He should be a playoff driver in that truck much as Todd Gilliland was, and given how he has navigated the playoff format thus far, a deep run would not be a surprise. The 22-year-old has three Truck wins.
New ride: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 21 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: After two straight runner-up finishes and Championship 4 appearances in the Truck ranks, Smith is moving over to Front Row. He should be a playoff driver in that truck much as Todd Gilliland was, and given how he has navigated the playoff format thus far, a deep run would not be a surprise. The 22-year-old has three Truck wins.
Niece Motorsports
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Dean Thompson
New ride: Full-time in a Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 51 Sunrise Ford Racing Ford in the ARCA Menards Series West.
The scoop: Thompson will run a full schedule and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in 2022 after making his series debut with Niece in the 2021 season finale at Phoenix Raceway. The 20-year-old ran the bulk of the ARCA Menards Series West schedule in 2021.
New ride: Full-time in a Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: No. 51 Sunrise Ford Racing Ford in the ARCA Menards Series West.
The scoop: Thompson will run a full schedule and compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in 2022 after making his series debut with Niece in the 2021 season finale at Phoenix Raceway. The 20-year-old ran the bulk of the ARCA Menards Series West schedule in 2021.
Jeff Curry | Getty Images
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Jack Wood
New ride: No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Part-time in the No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Wood will be running the full season for GMS in 2022 after running just over half the 2021 campaign – which wasn’t the original plan. He’ll look to contend for one of the 10 playoff Truck spots up for grabs next season.
New ride: No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride: Part-time in the No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Wood will be running the full season for GMS in 2022 after running just over half the 2021 campaign – which wasn’t the original plan. He’ll look to contend for one of the 10 playoff Truck spots up for grabs next season.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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Kris Wright
New ride: No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride(s): Part-time rides with Young's Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series and Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series
The scoop: The 27-year-old Wright will run a full season with Niece, completing a revamped, four-truck lineup. He made 16 starts in 2021 with a best finish of 12th in the season opener at Daytona.
New ride: No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Old ride(s): Part-time rides with Young's Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series and Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series
The scoop: The 27-year-old Wright will run a full season with Niece, completing a revamped, four-truck lineup. He made 16 starts in 2021 with a best finish of 12th in the season opener at Daytona.
Christian Petersen | Getty Images
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Hattori Racing Enterprises
The scoop: HRE is fielding two full-time rides for former GMS Racing drivers Tyler Ankrum (No. 16) and Chase Purdy (No. 61). The organization has tallied 14 wins over the last four years and the 2018 championship, so there are big expectations for these two young drivers.
The scoop: HRE is fielding two full-time rides for former GMS Racing drivers Tyler Ankrum (No. 16) and Chase Purdy (No. 61). The organization has tallied 14 wins over the last four years and the 2018 championship, so there are big expectations for these two young drivers.
Logan Riely | Getty Images
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Hill Motorsports
The scoop: Hill Motorsports will be fielding two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entries in 2022 with team owner Timmy Hill piloting one of the rides full-time. The team is also shifting to Toyotas for the upcoming season.
The scoop: Hill Motorsports will be fielding two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entries in 2022 with team owner Timmy Hill piloting one of the rides full-time. The team is also shifting to Toyotas for the upcoming season.
Steph Chambers | Getty Images
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McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
The scoop: The Truck and ARCA Menards Series organization is aligning with Chevrolet after fielding Toyotas in recent seasons. The team also has formed an alliance with GMS Racing and will operate out of a building at GMS’ Statesville, North Carolina, facility.
The scoop: The Truck and ARCA Menards Series organization is aligning with Chevrolet after fielding Toyotas in recent seasons. The team also has formed an alliance with GMS Racing and will operate out of a building at GMS’ Statesville, North Carolina, facility.
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Spire Motorsports
The scoop: Spire is expanding its footprint in NASCAR with the addition of a Truck team in 2022. Veteran crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion will be the team’s crew chief. Mike Greci will come over from Hattori Racing Enterprises, where he was the team’s general manager to help lead the efforts as well. The team will name its driver at a later date.
The scoop: Spire is expanding its footprint in NASCAR with the addition of a Truck team in 2022. Veteran crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion will be the team’s crew chief. Mike Greci will come over from Hattori Racing Enterprises, where he was the team’s general manager to help lead the efforts as well. The team will name its driver at a later date.
Ford Racing
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Camping World Truck Series body updates
The scoop: The sanctioning body will permit Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota to update their truck noses and tails to better match production trucks for consumers, while adding more identity from the front fascia (nose of the truck) to the A-post. Previously, the lower fascia was common on all three truck models. Now, it has been opened for the manufacturers to better replicate the looks of the Silverado, F-150 and Tundra.
The scoop: The sanctioning body will permit Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota to update their truck noses and tails to better match production trucks for consumers, while adding more identity from the front fascia (nose of the truck) to the A-post. Previously, the lower fascia was common on all three truck models. Now, it has been opened for the manufacturers to better replicate the looks of the Silverado, F-150 and Tundra.
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