NASCAR’s ‘Silly Season’ has begun with drivers and teams exploring their opportunities for the future, with dozens of new contracts being offered to drivers.
In recent weeks, 2025 champion Kyle Larson signed a new deal with his team, while Tyler Reddick re-upped with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing in what has been his best year so far.
Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney also signed a new contract with Team Penske, as Carson Hocevar penned a deal before winning his first race in the Cup Series.
However, questions remain about the futures of the likes of Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric and Daniel Suarez to name a few.
All eyes will be on Busch, who recently made a big change within his Richard Childress Racing team – in moving to a new crew chief during the season.
Busch has not won in the Cup Series in three years, in what has been 104 races. He agreed a one-year deal last offseason, but could leave at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, legendary driver Jeff Gordon has spoken on Bowman’s future at his Hendrick Motorsports team, while not giving too much away.
“Just continue to improve and contribute the way he has been, which goes deeper than just results,” Gordon said. “It’s all about the feedback that he has throughout the race, throughout the race weekend, Monday debriefs. He’s doing all those things.
“Alex is a great guy. He’s been a great asset to Hendrick. He’s had some misfortunes that were out of his control, but we think the world of Alex. He’s like family to us. We just want what’s best for him and what’s best for the team right now, and that’s where our focus is.”