BACK TO GALLERIES
On the move: Driver moves, changes for 2017
By RJ Kraft | Published: September 19, 2016 48
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Premier Series Entitlement Partner
In 2016: NASCAR's top series was known as the Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: NASCAR's top series is known as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: NASCAR announced a deal for the top series entitlement sponsorship with Monster Energy in early December. The series name was revealed a few weeks later. In addition, the sanctioning body revealed a new official brand identity that will replace the bar mark used since 1976.
In 2016: NASCAR's top series was known as the Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: NASCAR's top series is known as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: NASCAR announced a deal for the top series entitlement sponsorship with Monster Energy in early December. The series name was revealed a few weeks later. In addition, the sanctioning body revealed a new official brand identity that will replace the bar mark used since 1976.
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Greg Biffle
In 2016: No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The scoop: On Nov. 21 -- one day into the 2016 NASCAR offseason -- Biffle and RFR announced that the pair was mutually parting ways after 19 years together with two national series championships. The 19-time premier series winner will not drive full time in 2017.
In 2016: No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The scoop: On Nov. 21 -- one day into the 2016 NASCAR offseason -- Biffle and RFR announced that the pair was mutually parting ways after 19 years together with two national series championships. The 19-time premier series winner will not drive full time in 2017.
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Clint Bowyer, Stewart-Haas Racing
In 2016: No. 15 Chevrolet for HScott Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 14 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Bowyer takes over the ride of retiring three-time champion and team owner Tony Stewart. Moves to SHR worked well for Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch, so the optimism is high that this will be a boon for Bowyer, who is winless since 2012.
In 2016: No. 15 Chevrolet for HScott Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 14 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Bowyer takes over the ride of retiring three-time champion and team owner Tony Stewart. Moves to SHR worked well for Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch, so the optimism is high that this will be a boon for Bowyer, who is winless since 2012.
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Chris Buescher, JTG Daugherty Racing
In 2016: No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After making the Chase in his rookie season, Buescher moves to the expanding two-car team of JTG Daugherty Racing. The team will lease the charter from the No. 16 team of Roush Fenway Racing and Roush will loan Buescher to JTG.
In 2016: No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After making the Chase in his rookie season, Buescher moves to the expanding two-car team of JTG Daugherty Racing. The team will lease the charter from the No. 16 team of Roush Fenway Racing and Roush will loan Buescher to JTG.
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Landon Cassill, Front Row Motorsports
In 2016: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop:: Not a ton changes for Cassill, who stays at Front Row for a second straight season. He is however changing car numbers moving from the No. 38 to the No. 34. The Iowa native ran the sixth-most laps in the series last year. Nice.
In 2016: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop:: Not a ton changes for Cassill, who stays at Front Row for a second straight season. He is however changing car numbers moving from the No. 38 to the No. 34. The Iowa native ran the sixth-most laps in the series last year. Nice.
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Matt DiBenedetto, Go Fas Racing
In 2016: No. 83 (primarily) for BK Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: DiBenedetto leaves BK Racing for the single-car team of Go Fas Racing. All 68 of his premier series starts (which have come in the past two seasons) came at BK — including his career-best sixth-place finish at Bristol last spring.
In 2016: No. 83 (primarily) for BK Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: DiBenedetto leaves BK Racing for the single-car team of Go Fas Racing. All 68 of his premier series starts (which have come in the past two seasons) came at BK — including his career-best sixth-place finish at Bristol last spring.
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Ty Dillon, Germain Racing
In 2016: No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: No. 13 Chevrolet for Germain Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After three seasons in the XFINITY ranks, Dillon is moving up, replacing Casey Mears at Germain Racing. Ty has gotten his feet wet in the sport’s top series during that time. Dillon should be in the mix for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
In 2016: No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: No. 13 Chevrolet for Germain Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After three seasons in the XFINITY ranks, Dillon is moving up, replacing Casey Mears at Germain Racing. Ty has gotten his feet wet in the sport’s top series during that time. Dillon should be in the mix for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
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Jeffrey Earnhardt, Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group
In 2016: No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 33 Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Earnhardt will drive in the Daytona 500 — his first appearance in the season-opening race. His schedule beyond that is unknown. In 2016, he made 22 starts for Go Fas Racing and BK Racing.
In 2016: No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 33 Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Earnhardt will drive in the Daytona 500 — his first appearance in the season-opening race. His schedule beyond that is unknown. In 2016, he made 22 starts for Go Fas Racing and BK Racing.
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Carl Edwards
In 2016: No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Stepping away from NASCAR.
The scoop: In the most surprising news to come out of the offseason, Edwards is stepping away from racing less than two months after competing for a championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 37-year-old has 28 wins in the sport’s top series and two runner-up finishes in the standings.
In 2016: No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Stepping away from NASCAR.
The scoop: In the most surprising news to come out of the offseason, Edwards is stepping away from racing less than two months after competing for a championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 37-year-old has 28 wins in the sport’s top series and two runner-up finishes in the standings.
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Gray Gaulding, BK Racing
In 2016: No. 30 The Motorsports Group Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (part-time) & No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (part-time).
In 2017:: No. 23 BK Racing Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Gaulding will take the wheel starting with the second race of the season at Atlanta — Joey Gase will be the driver for the team at Daytona. The Virginia native made two starts in the premier series last year.
In 2016: No. 30 The Motorsports Group Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (part-time) & No. 60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (part-time).
In 2017:: No. 23 BK Racing Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Gaulding will take the wheel starting with the second race of the season at Atlanta — Joey Gase will be the driver for the team at Daytona. The Virginia native made two starts in the premier series last year.
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Erik Jones, Furniture Row Racing
In 2016: No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: No. 77 Toyota for Furniture Row Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The JGR alliance with Furniture Row Racing helps put the talented Jones in premier series ride for 2017. Jones has been a quick study at every level and enters 2017 as the odds-on favorite for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Furniture Row has purchased a charter as well for this team.
In 2016: No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: No. 77 Toyota for Furniture Row Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The JGR alliance with Furniture Row Racing helps put the talented Jones in premier series ride for 2017. Jones has been a quick study at every level and enters 2017 as the odds-on favorite for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Furniture Row has purchased a charter as well for this team.
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Corey LaJoie, BK Racing
In 2016: No. 24 JGL Racing Toyota in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 83 BK Racing Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (part-time).
The scoop: LaJoie, the son of two-time XFINITY Series champion Randy LaJoie, is running a partial schedule. The 25-year-old North Carolina native has two career premier series starts.
In 2016: No. 24 JGL Racing Toyota in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 83 BK Racing Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (part-time).
The scoop: LaJoie, the son of two-time XFINITY Series champion Randy LaJoie, is running a partial schedule. The 25-year-old North Carolina native has two career premier series starts.
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David Ragan, Front Row Motorsports
In 2016: No. 23 Toyota for BK Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Ragan's contract was not renewed by BK Racing as the organization restructures. He returns to Front Row where he drove 109 races from 2012-15 and scored the team’s first win in 2013 at Talladega. In his premier series career, Ragan has two wins.
In 2016: No. 23 Toyota for BK Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Ragan's contract was not renewed by BK Racing as the organization restructures. He returns to Front Row where he drove 109 races from 2012-15 and scored the team’s first win in 2013 at Talladega. In his premier series career, Ragan has two wins.
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Daniel Suarez, Joe Gibbs Racing
In 2016: No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The reigning XFINITY Series champ will make his premier series debut in the 2017 Daytona 500. The expectation had been for Suarez to defend his title, but now he will be in the mix for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors as well as battling for a Chase berth in 2017.
In 2016: No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The reigning XFINITY Series champ will make his premier series debut in the 2017 Daytona 500. The expectation had been for Suarez to defend his title, but now he will be in the mix for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors as well as battling for a Chase berth in 2017.
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Cole Whitt, TriStar Motorsports
In 2016: Nos. 55, 98 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet/Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 72 TriStar Motorsports car in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: TriStar Motorsports reboots its Cup effort, which last ran in 2013, with Whitt. The 25-year-old California native has 112 starts to his name in the sport's top series. The team is leasing a charter from Front Row Motorsports, who purchased its third charter from BK Racing.
In 2016: Nos. 55, 98 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet/Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 72 TriStar Motorsports car in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: TriStar Motorsports reboots its Cup effort, which last ran in 2013, with Whitt. The 25-year-old California native has 112 starts to his name in the sport's top series. The team is leasing a charter from Front Row Motorsports, who purchased its third charter from BK Racing.
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Matt Borland, Richard Childress Racing
In 2016: Vice President of Technology at Stewart-Haas Racing.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 27 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Borland returns to the pit box after spending some time working with the Haas F1 team among other roles. In parts of 11 seasons as a crew chief, he has 13 wins -- all of which came with Ryan Newman behind the wheel. Borland will work with Paul Menard in 2017.
In 2016: Vice President of Technology at Stewart-Haas Racing.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 27 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Borland returns to the pit box after spending some time working with the Haas F1 team among other roles. In parts of 11 seasons as a crew chief, he has 13 wins -- all of which came with Ryan Newman behind the wheel. Borland will work with Paul Menard in 2017.
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Chris Gayle, Furniture Row Racing
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 77 Toyota for Furniture Row Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After four years atop an XFINITY pit box for JGR, Gayle makes the move up with Furniture Row’s expansion. Gayle and Jones teamed for one win in 2015 and the Arkansas native has had great success with Jones’ racing mentor, Kyle Busch.
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 77 Toyota for Furniture Row Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: After four years atop an XFINITY pit box for JGR, Gayle makes the move up with Furniture Row’s expansion. Gayle and Jones teamed for one win in 2015 and the Arkansas native has had great success with Jones’ racing mentor, Kyle Busch.
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Frank Kerr, TriStar Motorsports
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 44 Toyota for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 72 TriStar Motorsports car in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Kerr brings his experience back into the sport's top series where he last worked with David Gilliand at Front Row Motorsports. Kerr has spent the past two seasons with TriStar's XFINITY program.
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 44 Toyota for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 72 TriStar Motorsports car in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Kerr brings his experience back into the sport's top series where he last worked with David Gilliand at Front Row Motorsports. Kerr has spent the past two seasons with TriStar's XFINITY program.
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Gene Nead, Go Fas Racing
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 83 Toyota (primarily) for BK Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
In 2017:: Crew chief for the No. 32 Ford for Go Fas Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop:: Just like his driver Matt DiBenedetto, Nead comes to Go Fas Racing fro BK Racing. The DiBenedetto-Nead pairing worked together in 2016 and produced a top-10 finish in the Bristol spring race. The duo have been together for 43 races over the past two seasons.
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 83 Toyota (primarily) for BK Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
In 2017:: Crew chief for the No. 32 Ford for Go Fas Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop:: Just like his driver Matt DiBenedetto, Nead comes to Go Fas Racing fro BK Racing. The DiBenedetto-Nead pairing worked together in 2016 and produced a top-10 finish in the Bristol spring race. The duo have been together for 43 races over the past two seasons.
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Trent Owens, JTG Daugherty Racing
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 43 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 37 Chevrolet for JTG Daugherty Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Owens spent the bulk of the past three seasons with Aric Almirola atop the pit box for the No. 43 team. Together, the duo had one win and made the Chase in 2014. Now, Owens is tasked with getting Buescher back into the Chase for consecutive seasons.
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 43 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 37 Chevrolet for JTG Daugherty Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Owens spent the bulk of the past three seasons with Aric Almirola atop the pit box for the No. 43 team. Together, the duo had one win and made the Chase in 2014. Now, Owens is tasked with getting Buescher back into the Chase for consecutive seasons.
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Brian Pattie, Roush Fenway Racing
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 16 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 17 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Pattie worked with Greg Biffle last year. The veteran crew chief has four wins atop the pit box in the sport’s top series — three of which came with Clint Bowyer. Pattie will team with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who is on his fourth crew chief in five years.
In 2016: Crew chief for the No. 16 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 17 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Pattie worked with Greg Biffle last year. The veteran crew chief has four wins atop the pit box in the sport’s top series — three of which came with Clint Bowyer. Pattie will team with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who is on his fourth crew chief in five years.
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Pat Tryson, Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group
In 2016: Crew chief for the Nos. 55, 98 for Premium Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 33 Chevrolet for Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Tryson worked primarily with Reed Sorenson in 2016, but also worked with four other drivers in 2016 at Premium. He has eight wins atop the pit box in his premier series career.
In 2016: Crew chief for the Nos. 55, 98 for Premium Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Crew chief for the No. 33 Chevrolet for Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group in the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: Tryson worked primarily with Reed Sorenson in 2016, but also worked with four other drivers in 2016 at Premium. He has eight wins atop the pit box in his premier series career.
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Stewart-Haas Racing
In 2016: Fielded four Chevrolets in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Fielding four Fords in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The two-time championship winning organization with Chevrolet shocked the NASCAR world with its move to the blue oval for 2017 and beyond. The team will now build its own chassis and get engines from Roush Yates Engines.
In 2016: Fielded four Chevrolets in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: Fielding four Fords in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The scoop: The two-time championship winning organization with Chevrolet shocked the NASCAR world with its move to the blue oval for 2017 and beyond. The team will now build its own chassis and get engines from Roush Yates Engines.
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Leavine Family Racing
The scoop: Leavine Family Racing has purchased a charter from Tommy Baldwin Racing. LFR ran the 2016 season under the Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing banner with technical support from Richard Childress Racing. TBR will not field a full-time team in 2017, according to a post on the team's Facebook page. Michael McDowell is back for the full season at LFR, with Todd Parrott back atop the pit box.
The scoop: Leavine Family Racing has purchased a charter from Tommy Baldwin Racing. LFR ran the 2016 season under the Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing banner with technical support from Richard Childress Racing. TBR will not field a full-time team in 2017, according to a post on the team's Facebook page. Michael McDowell is back for the full season at LFR, with Todd Parrott back atop the pit box.
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Premium Motorsports
The scoop: Premium Motorsports did some wheeling and dealing on charters in the offseason. The team, which had leased a charter to HScott Motorsports for 2016, sold that charter to Furniture Row Racing for its second team. Premium then purchased the charter that the No. 15 team from HScott used in 2016. HScott will not field a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team in 2017.
The scoop: Premium Motorsports did some wheeling and dealing on charters in the offseason. The team, which had leased a charter to HScott Motorsports for 2016, sold that charter to Furniture Row Racing for its second team. Premium then purchased the charter that the No. 15 team from HScott used in 2016. HScott will not field a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team in 2017.
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Circle Sport w/The Motorsports Group
The scoop: Joe Falk, owner of the No. 33 Charter for Circle Sport and Curtis Key, owner of The Motorsports Group, merged operations for 2017. The Motorsports Group competed without a charter in 2016 with the No. 30 and this deal gives the merged operation for the No. 33 a charter.
The scoop: Joe Falk, owner of the No. 33 Charter for Circle Sport and Curtis Key, owner of The Motorsports Group, merged operations for 2017. The Motorsports Group competed without a charter in 2016 with the No. 30 and this deal gives the merged operation for the No. 33 a charter.
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Rick Ware Racing
The scoop: Rick Ware Racing will field an open team with the No. 51 Chevrolet. Timmy Hill (pictured), Stanton Barrett, Cody Ware and Kevin O'Connell are among the drivers that will pilot the car. Joe Lax will be the crew chief for the team.
The scoop: Rick Ware Racing will field an open team with the No. 51 Chevrolet. Timmy Hill (pictured), Stanton Barrett, Cody Ware and Kevin O'Connell are among the drivers that will pilot the car. Joe Lax will be the crew chief for the team.
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Michael Annett, JR Motorsports
In 2016: No. 46 Chevrolet for HScott Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 5 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: After three full-time seasons in the Sprint Cup ranks, Annett is joining up with JRM as part of a full-time, four-car lineup. He has some prior experience in the series, with a best finish of fifth in the standings in '12. Expect Annett to be in the mix for the Chase.
In 2016: No. 46 Chevrolet for HScott Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 5 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: After three full-time seasons in the Sprint Cup ranks, Annett is joining up with JRM as part of a full-time, four-car lineup. He has some prior experience in the series, with a best finish of fifth in the standings in '12. Expect Annett to be in the mix for the Chase.
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William Byron, JR Motorsports
In 2016: No. 9 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: The breakout driver of 2016 is moving up in a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports that will see him drive for JRM. With six wins in his first full national series season, he's an instant favorite for the XFINITY title and Sunoco rookie honors.
In 2016: No. 9 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: The breakout driver of 2016 is moving up in a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports that will see him drive for JRM. With six wins in his first full national series season, he's an instant favorite for the XFINITY title and Sunoco rookie honors.
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Cole Custer, Stewart-Haas Racing
In 2016: No. 00 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 00 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: SHR is expanding into the XFINITY Series with Custer. The two-time winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series made a handful of XFINITY starts with JRM and should be in the mix for the Chase and Sunoco rookie honors. Jeff Meendering will serve as the crew chief.
In 2016: No. 00 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 00 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: SHR is expanding into the XFINITY Series with Custer. The two-time winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series made a handful of XFINITY starts with JRM and should be in the mix for the Chase and Sunoco rookie honors. Jeff Meendering will serve as the crew chief.
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Spencer Gallagher, GMS Racing
In 2016: No. 23 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 23 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: GMS Racing is extending to a full-time XFINITY Series team for 2017 with Gallagher. The 27-year-old made seven XFINITY starts in 2016 and finished 12th in the Truck standings.
In 2016: No. 23 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 23 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: GMS Racing is extending to a full-time XFINITY Series team for 2017 with Gallagher. The 27-year-old made seven XFINITY starts in 2016 and finished 12th in the Truck standings.
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Daniel Hemric, Richard Childress Racing
In 2016: No. 19 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: Hemric is making the move up after two full-time seasons in the Camping World Truck Series, where his quiet consistency gained him plenty of notice. Expect Hemric to be in the mix for Sunoco rookie honors and a Chase contender.
In 2016: No. 19 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: Hemric is making the move up after two full-time seasons in the Camping World Truck Series, where his quiet consistency gained him plenty of notice. Expect Hemric to be in the mix for Sunoco rookie honors and a Chase contender.
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Casey Mears, Biagi-DenBeste Racing
In 2016: No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 98 Biagi-DenBeste Racing Ford in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: Mears will run a partial schedule of 12 races with sponsorship from GEICO starting with the XFINITY race at Auto Club Speedway. Mears has one win each in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the XFINITY Series.
In 2016: No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017: No. 98 Biagi-DenBeste Racing Ford in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: Mears will run a partial schedule of 12 races with sponsorship from GEICO starting with the XFINITY race at Auto Club Speedway. Mears has one win each in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the XFINITY Series.
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Tyler Reddick, Chip Ganassi Racing
In 2016: No. 29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: With two full-time seasons in the Camping World Truck Series under his belt, Reddick is moving up -- to a new series, a new team and a new manufacturer. He will share the No. 42 Chevrolet in a part-time role with Kyle Larson.
In 2016: No. 29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: With two full-time seasons in the Camping World Truck Series under his belt, Reddick is moving up -- to a new series, a new team and a new manufacturer. He will share the No. 42 Chevrolet in a part-time role with Kyle Larson.
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Matt Tifft, Joe Gibbs Racing
In 2016: No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series; No. 11 Toyota for Red Horse Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series—both part-time rides
In 2017: No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: Less than five months removed from brain surgery and Tifft is set for a full-time ride. He should be a factor in the rookie race and Chase. Matt Beckham, a race engineer on the No. 11 team of Sprint Cup star Denny Hamlin, will serve as Tifft's crew chief.
In 2016: No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series; No. 11 Toyota for Red Horse Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series—both part-time rides
In 2017: No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The scoop: Less than five months removed from brain surgery and Tifft is set for a full-time ride. He should be a factor in the rookie race and Chase. Matt Beckham, a race engineer on the No. 11 team of Sprint Cup star Denny Hamlin, will serve as Tifft's crew chief.
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Ford Performance
Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski Racing
In 2016: Part-time in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, full-time in ARCA Racing Series.
In 2017: No. 29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Ford Performance is launching a driver development program and the first stage of that sees Briscoe, a 2016 ARCA champion, making his NASCAR national series debut at Brad Keselowski Racing. Mike Hillman Jr. will be atop the pit box.
In 2016: Part-time in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, full-time in ARCA Racing Series.
In 2017: No. 29 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Ford Performance is launching a driver development program and the first stage of that sees Briscoe, a 2016 ARCA champion, making his NASCAR national series debut at Brad Keselowski Racing. Mike Hillman Jr. will be atop the pit box.
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Austin Cindric, Brad Keselowski Racing
In 2016: No. 2 Ford in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing (part-time).
In 2017: No. 19 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Cindric fills one of the open seats for Brad Keselowski Racing in 2017. He has a handful of Truck starts and scored two wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2016. Doug Randolph will lead the No. 19's effort.
In 2016: No. 2 Ford in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing (part-time).
In 2017: No. 19 Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Cindric fills one of the open seats for Brad Keselowski Racing in 2017. He has a handful of Truck starts and scored two wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2016. Doug Randolph will lead the No. 19's effort.
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Cody Coughlin, ThorSport Racing
In 2016: No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
In 2017:: No. 13 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Coughlin made 10 starts in 2016 — nine of which came with KBM. The 21-year-old posted his best finish in the June race at Texas with a 12th-place result. Michael Shelton will crew chief the team.
In 2016: No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
In 2017:: No. 13 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Coughlin made 10 starts in 2016 — nine of which came with KBM. The 21-year-old posted his best finish in the June race at Texas with a 12th-place result. Michael Shelton will crew chief the team.
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Grant Enfinger, ThorSport Racing
In 2016: Nos. 24/33 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 98 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Enfinger, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series champion, lands his first full-time NASCAR ride. He competed in eight races last year, scoring a victory in the October race at Talladega. Jeff Hensley will be the crew chief.
In 2016: Nos. 24/33 GMS Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 98 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Enfinger, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series champion, lands his first full-time NASCAR ride. He competed in eight races last year, scoring a victory in the October race at Talladega. Jeff Hensley will be the crew chief.
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Stewart Friesen, Halmar Friesen Racing
In 2016: No. 16 Chevrolet in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Halmar Racing (part-time).
In 2017: No. 52 Chevrolet for Halmar Friesen Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Friesen will run the No. 52 Truck for a full season with Trip Bruce atop the pit box. The 33-year-old Canadian native made six starts in the Truck Series in 2016. Tommy Baldwin will run the day-to-day operations for the team.
In 2016: No. 16 Chevrolet in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Halmar Racing (part-time).
In 2017: No. 52 Chevrolet for Halmar Friesen Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Friesen will run the No. 52 Truck for a full season with Trip Bruce atop the pit box. The 33-year-old Canadian native made six starts in the Truck Series in 2016. Tommy Baldwin will run the day-to-day operations for the team.
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Noah Gragson, Kyle Busch Motorsports
In 2016: Nos. 7, 55 Ford for Jefferson Pitts Racing in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and Pro Series West.
In 2017: No. 18 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Gragson, who like Kyle Busch is from Las Vegas, has six wins in two seasons of K&N Pro Series competition. The 18-year-old was named to the NASCAR Next class in May. He has big shoes to fill in following the success of Jones and Byron at KBM. Marcus Richmond will be atop the pit box.
In 2016: Nos. 7, 55 Ford for Jefferson Pitts Racing in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and Pro Series West.
In 2017: No. 18 Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Gragson, who like Kyle Busch is from Las Vegas, has six wins in two seasons of K&N Pro Series competition. The 18-year-old was named to the NASCAR Next class in May. He has big shoes to fill in following the success of Jones and Byron at KBM. Marcus Richmond will be atop the pit box.
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Kaz Grala, GMS Racing
In 2016: Nos. 24, 33 Chevrolet for GMS Racing (part-time) in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 33 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Grala is getting the bump to full-time driver. The 17-year-old (turns 18 on Dec. 29) will pilot the No. 33 under the guidance of crew chief Jerry Baxter, who joins the team from Kyle Busch Motorsports.
In 2016: Nos. 24, 33 Chevrolet for GMS Racing (part-time) in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017: No. 33 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Grala is getting the bump to full-time driver. The 17-year-old (turns 18 on Dec. 29) will pilot the No. 33 under the guidance of crew chief Jerry Baxter, who joins the team from Kyle Busch Motorsports.
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Justin Haley, GMS Racing
In 2016: No. 5 Chevrolet for HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
In 2017: No. 24 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Fresh off a K&N Pro Series East championship, Haley will pilot a Truck Series ride full time in 2017 with Kevin Bellicourt atop the pit box. The 17-year-old Indiana native has six career Trucks starts with one top-10 finish.
In 2016: No. 5 Chevrolet for HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
In 2017: No. 24 Chevrolet for GMS Racing in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Fresh off a K&N Pro Series East championship, Haley will pilot a Truck Series ride full time in 2017 with Kevin Bellicourt atop the pit box. The 17-year-old Indiana native has six career Trucks starts with one top-10 finish.
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Ben Rhodes, ThorSport Racing
In 2016: No. 41 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017:: No. 27 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Rhodes returns for a second full-time season at ThorSport, albeit in a different numbered truck. The Kentucky native turns 20 years old in February and is coming off a season with five top-10 finishes. Eddie Troconis will be atop the pit box.
In 2016: No. 41 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
In 2017:: No. 27 ThorSport Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Rhodes returns for a second full-time season at ThorSport, albeit in a different numbered truck. The Kentucky native turns 20 years old in February and is coming off a season with five top-10 finishes. Eddie Troconis will be atop the pit box.
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Regan Smith, Ricky Benton Racing
In 2016: No. 7 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017:: No. 92 Ricky Benton Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Smith will run a partial schedule of 12 races in the Truck Series -- his first starts in that series since 2008. 27 drivers have won in all three national series -- a Truck victory would make Smith the 28th.
In 2016: No. 7 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In 2017:: No. 92 Ricky Benton Racing Ford in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Smith will run a partial schedule of 12 races in the Truck Series -- his first starts in that series since 2008. 27 drivers have won in all three national series -- a Truck victory would make Smith the 28th.
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Ryan Truex, Hattori Racing Enterprises
In 2016: No. 81 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Truex will run a full season for Hattori Racing Enterprises after running 15 races for the organization in 2016. The 24-year-old brother of Martin Truex Jr. will be running for a championship in the series with Scott Zipadelli atop the pit box.
In 2016: No. 81 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (part-time).
In 2017: No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The scoop: Truex will run a full season for Hattori Racing Enterprises after running 15 races for the organization in 2016. The 24-year-old brother of Martin Truex Jr. will be running for a championship in the series with Scott Zipadelli atop the pit box.