The 2025 season marks a decade in which the NASCAR Cup Series has functionally operated under the ‘charter agreement,’ but it’s also the first year of the second document and first extension to an agreement first crafted in advance of the 2016 season.
It’s also the first season that began with a lawsuit with two teams alleging federal antitrust violations against the sanctioning body stemming from the results of the negotiations process over the charter system extension.
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So what exactly is the charter system?
Simply stated, ownership charters represent status that allow entries included in the system entry into every single race while also providing guaranteed revenue based on the negotiated terms prior to the start of a charter period. The first agreement ran the length of a television rights agreement from 2016-to-2024 and the second agreement runs the length of the second rights agreement from 2025-to-2031. The agreement also requires teams to participate in agreed upon marketing exercises and allows NASCAR to use the teams intellectual properties to promote the sport.
That is overly simplified but gives you the general idea.
The teams have started to treat these charters as if they were the NASCAR equivalent to stick and ball franchises like the New England Patriots or Los Angeles Dodgers. The idea is that every car number exists like a professional sports team. Unlike stick-and-ball teams, the NASCAR Cup Series is not an equal partnership and that is also part and parcel to the 2024 lawsuit.
Anyway, there are 36 of these ownership tokens in NASCAR and they earn shared perks of competing under the NASCAR Cup Series umbrella. Most importantly, the cars that are paired with an ownership charter have guaranteed starting positions into every Cup Series race, regardless of the size of an entry list on any given weekend.
Similar to how stick and ball franchises receive shared revenue from TV contracts or licensing agreements, NASCAR Cup Series teams also receive similar benefits granted to them under the charter agreement.
First, understand that the value of all 36 charters are not equal.
The value of a charter is based on the performance of its car over the past two seasons. How much a team makes at the end of the year is determined by a formula that takes into account the value of the charter and where the team finished in the championship standings.
There is also a ‘seat at the decision making table’ element to the charter system.
It works very similar to the Concorde Agreement in Formula 1, in which the sanctioning body has a certain degree of dialogue, in principle with the teams over competition related decisions.
A majority of the teams are also aligned under a union-like entity called the Race Team Alliance. The RTA has its own media entity, Racing America, and also has a negotiating committee that communicates with NASCAR on business related matters.
The maximum field size for a NASCAR Cup Series race is 40 cars, meaning that up to four teams without a charter can still take the green flag but they receive considerably less purse money than those who possess an ownership charter.
The creation of the system created a demand for charters — resulting in an economic ecosystem.
From the very beginning, NASCAR and the RTA set out to create a model that created long-term value for owning a team, while also creating competition to acquire a charter. The idea being, if there was value in possessing an ownership charter, there would be value upon needing to sell it.
In previous eras, when a Cup Series team went out of business for whatever reason, it had nothing of value to sell beyond its race shops. The cars became quickly outdated and equipment was sold for pennies on the dollar.
The escalating value of owning an ownership charter has created supply and demand on the open market.
Then there is the NextGen car, now in its fourth season, that aims to provide long-term cost containment even if it isn’t remotely there yet. The car is a de facto spec car meaning that every component, except the engines and bodies, are identical. The working theory is that teams will eventually save money as inventory builds and the parts and pieces become standard.
If the Next-Gen car (eventually) reduces the cost of competition, and if the next broadcast rights agreement provides greater revenue opportunities, teams will be less reliant on sponsorship money to remain in business. That’s the concept, at least.
Each ownership charter can be leased once within an agreement period to another organization, but it must be returned to its original owner after the end of one season.
The first charter agreement ran from 2016 to 2020. The current charter agreement runs from 2021 to 2024 through the current television broadcast agreement with FOX and NBC. The next broadcast rights agreement runs from 2025 to 2031 and includes FOX, NBC, TNT and Amazon Prime.
The current version of the document can be viewed in its entirety below.
There are currently 36 charters but that number can change at NASCAR’s discretion with payouts to change accordingly.
From the very start of the charter agreement, many charters have been sold or leased over the years. The following details the history of each ownership charter entering the 2025 season.
Trackhouse Racing No. 1
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Trackhouse Racing and is associated with the No. 1 car driven by Ross Chastain. It was first awarded to Chip Ganassi in 2016 when the No. 1 was piloted by Jamie McMurray and remained there when Kurt Busch signed with the team. Trackhouse acquired the No. 1 charter when it purchased the NASCAR assets of Ganassi after the 2021 season. Ross Chastain was moved from the Ganassi No. 42 to the No. 1 car.
Awarded: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 2016: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 (Jamie McMurray) 2017: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 (Jamie McMurray) 2018: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 (Jamie McMurray) 2019: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 (Kurt Busch) 2020: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 (Kurt Busch) 2021: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 1 (Kurt Busch) 2022: Trackhouse Racing No. 1 (Ross Chastain) 2023: Trackhouse Racing No. 1 (Ross Chastain) 2024: Trackhouse Racing No. 1 (Ross Chastain) 2025: Trackhouse Racing No. 1 (Ross Chastain)
Team Penske No. 2
Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Team Penske and is associated with the No. 2 car driven by Austin Cindric. It has always been aligned with this car. It was driven by Brad Keselowski when the charter was awarded and remained with the No. 2 when Cindric signed with the team.
Awarded: Team Penske No. 2 2016: Team Penske No. 2 (Brad Keselowski) 2017: Team Penske No. 2 (Brad Keselowski) 2018: Team Penske No. 2 (Brad Keselowski) 2019: Team Penske No. 2 (Brad Keselowski) 2020: Team Penske No. 2 (Brad Keselowski) 2021: Team Penske No. 2 (Brad Keselowski) 2022: Team Penske No. 2 (Austin Cindric) 2023: Team Penske No. 2 (Austin Cindric) 2024: Team Penske No. 2 (Austin Cindric) 2025: Team Penske No. 2 (Austin Cindric)
Richard Childress Racing No. 3
Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Samuel Corum / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Richard Childress Racing and associated with the No. 3 car driven by Austin Dillon. It has always been aligned with this combination.
Awarded: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 2016: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2017: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2018: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2019: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2020: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2021: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2022: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2023: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2024: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon) 2025: Richard Childress Racing No. 3 (Austin Dillon)
Front Row Motorsports No. 4
Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford
Photo by: David Jensen / Getty Images
This charter was most recently associated with the No. 4 car driven by Noah Gragson. From its inception to the 2024 season, it was attached to the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 car driven by Kevin Harvick and then Josh Berry. It was sold to Front Row Motorsports in 2024 but approval for the transaction had to be forced by a federal judge as part of a preliminary injunction decision as the organization had sued NASCAR late in the summer. NASCAR appealed the injunction decision and won, which left the charter in a state of limbo until the legal process plays itself out.
Awarded: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 2016: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2017: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2018: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2019: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2020: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2021: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2022: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2023: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Kevin Harvick) 2024: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 (Josh Berry) 2025: Front Row Motorsports No. 4 (Noah Gragson)
Hendrick Motorsports No. 24
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Hendrick Motorsports and associated with the No. 24 car driven by William Byron. It was first awarded to Hendrick in 2016 when it was the No. 5 piloted by Kasey Kahne and became the No. 24 when William Byron graduated to the Cup Series in 2018.
This charter is currently owned by Team Penske and associated with the No. 12 car driven by Ryan Blaney.
It was first awarded to Roush Fenway Racing in 2016 when it was the No. 6 piloted by Trevor Bayne and became the No. 37 when Chris Buescher was leased to JTG Daughery Racing by Roush-Fenway alongside the charter in 2017. It was returned to Roush Fenway after the 2017 season and sold to Team Penske where it was used to create the third car for Blaney.
Awarded: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 2016: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Trevor Bayne) 2017: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Trevor Bayne) 2018: JTG Daugherty Racing No. 37 (Chris Buescher) 2019: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) 2020: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) 2021: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) 2022: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) 2023: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) 2024: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) 2025: Team Penske No. 12 (Ryan Blaney)
Kaulig Racing No. 16
AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Jeffrey Vest / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Kaulig Racing and linked to the No. 16 car. It was first awarded to Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2016 when it was the No. 7 piloted by Reed Sorenson and became the No. 95 in 2017 when it was sold to Leavine Family Racing. It was sold again before the 2020 season to Spire Motorsports and sold once more to Kaulig before the 2022 season.
Awarded: Tommy Baldwin Racing No. 7 2016: Tommy Baldwin Racing No. 7 (Regan Smith) 2017: Leavine Family Racing No. 95 (Michael McDowell) 2018: Leavine Family Racing No. 95 (Kasey Kahne) 2019: Leavine Family Racing No. 95 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2020: Leavine Family Racing No. 95 (Christopher Bell) 2021: Spire Motorsports No. 77 (Various) 2022: Kaulig Racing No. 16 (Various) 2023: Kaulig Racing No. 16 (AJ Allmendinger) 2024: Kaulig Racing No. 16 (Various) 2025: Kaulig Racing No. 16 (AJ Allmendinger)
Legacy Motor Club No. 42
John Hunter Nemechek, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Legacy Motor Club and associated with the No. 42 car driven by John Hunter Nemechek. It was first awarded to Richard Petty Motorsports in 2016 when it was the No. 9. It became the No. 44 when it was piloted by Brian Scott.
It became the No. 32 in 2017 when it was leased to GoFas Racing. It was returned to Richard Petty Motorsports in 2018 and became the No. 43 for Bubba Wallace. It became the Petty Ware Motorsports No. 51 when Petty and Rick Ware Racing entered into a joint agreement to field the No. 51.
It became the No. 42 when Richard Petty Motorsports sold to GMS Racing to become Petty GMS and remained the No. 42 when Jimmie Johnson bought into the team and renamed it Legacy Motor Club. Nemechek has driven the car since 2024.
Awarded: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 9 2016: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 44 (Brian Scott) 2017: GoFas Racing No. 32 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2018: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 (Bubba Wallace) 2019: Petty Ware Racing No. 51 (Various) 2020: Petty Ware Racing No. 51 (Various) 2021: Petty Ware Racing No. 51 (Cody Shane Ware) 2022: Petty GMS Racing No. 42 (Ty Dillon) 2023: Legacy Motor Club No. 42 (Noah Gragson) 2024: Legacy Motor Club No. 42 (John Hunter Nemechek) 2025: Legacy Motor Club No. 42 (John Hunter Nemechek)
23XI Racing No. 35
Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing Toyota
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
This charter was most recently owned by 23XI Racing and is associated with the No. 35 car driven by Riley Herbst. From its inception to the 2024 season, it was attached to the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 car driven by Danica Patrick, Aric Almirola and then Noah Gragson. It was sold to 23XI Racing in 2024 but approval for the transaction had to be forced by a federal judge as part of a preliminary injunction decision as the organization had sued NASCAR late in the summer. NASCAR appealed the injunction decision and won, which left the charter in a state of limbo until the legal process plays itself out.
Awarded: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 2016: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Danica Patrick) 2017: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Danica Patrick) 2018: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Aric Almirola) 2019: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Aric Almirola) 2020: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Aric Almirola) 2021: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Aric Almirola) 2022: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Aric Almirola) 2023: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Aric Almirola) 2024: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 10 (Noah Gragson) 2025: 23XI Racing No. 35 (Riley Herbst)
Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Joe Gibbs Racing and associated with the No. 11 car driven by Denny Hamlin. It has always been aligned with this combination.
Awarded: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 2016: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2017: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2018: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2019: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2020: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2021: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2022: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2023: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2024: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin) 2025: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 (Denny Hamlin)
23XI Racing No. 23
Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
This charter was most recently owned by 23XI Racing and associated with the No. 23 car driven by Bubba Wallace. This charter had been owned by Germain Racing for its No. 13 car every year until 2021 when it was sold to Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. In 2025, as part of a 23XI antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, an appeals court ruled that the team could not maintain its chartered status while also suing the Sanctioning Body over language contained within the document, which left the charter in a state of limbo until the legal process plays itself out.
Awarded: Germain Racing No. 13 2016: Germain Racing No. 13 (Casey Mears) 2017: Germain Racing No. 13 (Ty Dillon) 2018: Germain Racing No. 13 (Ty Dillon) 2019: Germain Racing No. 13 (Ty Dillon) 2020: Germain Racing No. 13 (Ty Dillon) 2021: 23XI Racing No. 23 (Bubba Wallace) 2022: 23XI Racing No. 23 (Bubba Wallace) 2023: 23XI Racing No. 23 (Bubba Wallace) 2024: 23XI Racing No. 23 (Bubba Wallace) 2025: 23XI Racing No. 23 (Bubba Wallace)
Trackhouse Racing No. 88
Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Trackhouse Racing for its No. 88 car and driver Shane Van Gisbergen. From its inception to the 2024 season, it was attached to the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 car driven by Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer and then Chase Briscoe. It was then sold to Trackhouse Racing ahead of Stewart-Haas Racing closing after the 2024 season.
Awarded: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 2016: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Tony Stewart) 2017: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Clint Bowyer) 2018: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Clint Bowyer) 2019: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Clint Bowyer) 2020: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Clint Bowyer) 2021: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Chase Briscoe) 2022: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Chase Briscoe) 2023: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Chase Briscoe) 2024: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 14 (Chase Briscoe) 2025: Trackhouse Racing No. 88 (Shane Van Gisbergen)
Haas Factory Team No. 41
Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team Ford
Photo by: Samuel Corum / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Haas Factory Team and has been associated with the No. 41 car for almost the entirety of its existence. It was originally awarded to Michael Waltrip Racing and was immediately sold to Stewart Haas Racing. The car was driven by Kurt Busch from 2016-2018, Daniel Suarez in 2019, Cole Custer from 2020-2022. When Stewart-Haas Racing closed and downsized into Haas Factory Team, it retained this charter and the No. 41 branding.
Awarded: Michael Waltrip Racing No. 15 2016: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Kurt Busch) 2017: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Kurt Busch) 2018: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Kurt Busch) 2019: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Daniel Suarez) 2020: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Cole Custer) 2021: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Cole Custer) 2022: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Cole Custer) 2023: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Ryan Preece) 2024: Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 (Ryan Preece) 2025: Haas Factory Team No. 41 (Cole Custer)
RFK Racing No. 6
Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
What is currently the Roush Fenway Keselowski No. 6 was awarded to Roush Fenway Racing as the No. 16 and was renumbered when that car was shut down and its charter leased to JTG Daugherty Racing. Roush Fenway made what was the No. 16 car the No. 6 car for charter purposes and it has remained that way even through the addition of Brad Keselowski as an owner-driver before the start of the 2022 season.
Awarded: Roush Fenway Racing No. 16 2016: Roush Fenway Racing No. 16 (Greg Biffle) 2017: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Trevor Bayne) 2018: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Trevor Bayne, Matt Kenseth) 2019: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Ryan Newman) 2020: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Ryan Newman) 2021: Roush Fenway Racing No. 6 (Ryan Newman) 2022: RFK Racing No. 6 (Brad Keselowski) 2023: RFK Racing No. 6 (Brad Keselowski) 2024: RFK Racing No. 6 (Brad Keselowski) 2025: RFK Racing No. 6 (Brad Keselowski)
RFK Racing No. 17
Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Photo by: Jonathan Bachman – Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Roush Fenway Racing and associated with the No. 17 car driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from 2016-2019 and Chris Buescher ever since. It has always been attached to team co-owner Jack Roush from its inception.
Awarded: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 2016: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.) 2017: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.) 2018: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.) 2019: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.) 2020: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 (Chris Buescher) 2021: Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 (Chris Buescher) 2022: RFK Racing No. 17 (Chris Buescher) 2023: RFK Racing No. 17 (Chris Buescher) 2024: RFK Racing No. 17 (Chris Buescher) 2025: RFK Racing No. 17 (Chris Buescher)
Joe Gibbs Racing No. 54
Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Joe Gibbs Racing and associated with the No. 54 car driven by Ty Gibbs. It began its life as the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 with Kyle Busch from 2016 until the 2023 season when Ty Gibbs joined the team and the car renumbered as 54.
Awarded: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 2016: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2017: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2018: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2019: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2020: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2021: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2022: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (Kyle Busch) 2023: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 54 (Ty Gibbs) 2024: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 54 (Ty Gibbs) 2025: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 54 (Ty Gibbs)
Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20
Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Joe Gibbs Racing and associated with the No. 20 car driven by Christopher Bell. This entry was previously piloted by Matt Kenseth and Erik Jones.
Awarded: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 2016: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Matt Kenseth) 2017: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Matt Kenseth) 2018: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Erik Jones) 2019: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Erik Jones) 2020: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Erik Jones) 2021: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Christopher Bell) 2022: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Christopher Bell) 2023: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Christopher Bell) 2024: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Christopher Bell) 2025: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 (Christopher Bell)
Team Penske No. 22
Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Team Penske and associated with the No. 22 car with Joey Logano. It has always been aligned with this combination.
Awarded: Team Penske No. 22 2016: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2017: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2018: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2019: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2020: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2021: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2022: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2023: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2024: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano) 2025: Team Penske No. 22 (Joey Logano)
Spire Racing No. 7
Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Spire Motorsports and associated with the No. 7 car. It was first awarded to BK Racing in 2016 when it was the No. 23 piloted by David and became the No. 38 when it was sold to Front Row Motorsports in 2019. It became the No. 53 when Front Row leased it to Rick Ware Racing in 2020. Front Row then sold the charter to Rick Ware Racing and it remained the No. 53. It was then sold to Spire Motorsports before the 2022 season to become the No. 7 driven by Corey Lajoie. Justin Haley took over the car in September of 2024 and will continue piloting it in 2025.
Awarded: BK Racing No. 23 2016: BK Racing No. 23 (David Ragan) 2017: BK Racing No. 23 (Various) 2018: BK Racing No. 23 (Various) 2019: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (David Ragan) 2020: Rick Ware Racing No. 53 (Various) 2021: Rick Ware Racing No. 53 (Various) 2022: Spire Motorsports No. 7 (Corey Lajoie) 2023: Spire Motorsports No. 7 (Corey Lajoie) 2024: Spire Motorsports No. 7 (Corey Lajoie) 2025: Spire Motorsports No. 7 (Justin Haley)
Hendrick Motosports No. 9
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Hendrick Motorsports and associated with the No. 9 car driven by Chase Elliott. It was first awarded to Hendrick in 2016 when it was the No. 24. It became the No. 9 when William Byron was assigned the No. 24 in 2018.
What began its existence as the Richard Childress Racing No. 27 was leased to upstart StarCom Racing in 2018 and sold to the team a year later. StarCom Racing sold the No. 00 charter to 23XI Racing’s No. 45 team for 2022 for driver Kurt Busch. The car is now piloted by Tyler Reddick. In 2025, as part of a 23XI antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, an appeals court ruled that the team could not maintain its chartered status while also suing the Sanctioning Body over language contained within the document, which left the charter in a state of limbo until the legal process plays itself out.
Awarded: Richard Childress Racing No. 27 2016: Richard Childress Racing No. 27 (Paul Menard) 2017: Richard Childress Racing No. 27 (Paul Menard) 2018: StarCom Racing No. 00 (Landon Cassill) 2019: StarCom Racing No. 00 (Various) 2020: StarCom Racing No. 00 (Quin Houff) 2021: StarCom Racing No. 00 (Quin Houff) 2022: 23XI Racing No. 45 (Kurt Busch) 2023: 23XI Racing No. 45 (Tyler Reddick) 2024: 23XI Racing No. 45 (Tyler Reddick) 2025: 23XI Racing No. 45 (Tyler Reddick)
Richard Childress Racing No. 8
Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Richard Childress Racing and associated with the No. 8 car with Kyle Busch. It was first awarded to Childress in 2016 when it was the No. 31. It became the No. 8 when Daniel Hemric was assigned the car in 2019. Tyler Reddick drove it from 2020-2022. Kyle Busch started driving the car with the 2023 season.
Awarded: Richard Childress Racing No. 31 2016: Richard Childress Racing No. 31 (Ryan Newman) 2017: Richard Childress Racing No. 31 (Ryan Newman) 2018: Richard Childress Racing No. 31 (Ryan Newman) 2019: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Daniel Hemric) 2020: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Tyler Reddick) 2021: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Tyler Reddick) 2022: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Tyler Reddick) 2023: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Kyle Busch) 2024: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Kyle Busch) 2025: Richard Childress Racing No. 8 (Kyle Busch)
Wood Brothers Racing No. 21
Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
What began its existence as the GoFas Racing No. 32 was first leased to Wood Brothers Racing in 2017. That charter was then sold to the Wood Brothers in 2018 albeit with GoFas owner Archie St. Hilaire maintaining a partial ownership of the franchise. The Wood Brothers purchased complete control of their charter prior to the 2021 season. Matt DiBenedetto drove it the car in 2020 and 2021 and Harrison Burton piloted the car from 2022 to 2024. Josh Berry was hired to drive the car in 2025.
Awarded: GoFas Racing No. 32 2016: GoFas Racing No. 32 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2017: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Ryan Blaney) 2018: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Paul Menard) 2019: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Paul Menard) 2020: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2021: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2022: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Harrison Burton) 2023: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Harrison Burton) 2024: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Harrison Burton) 2025: Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 (Josh Berry)
Spire Motorsports No. 71
Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This is the charter with the most convoluted ownership history. What will soon be the Spire Motorsports No. 71 was first awarded to Joe Falk of Circle Sport Racing in 2016. Falk immediately entered into a partnership with Leavine Family Racing to operate the No. 95 for the 2016 season. In 2017, Falk entered into a new agreement with The Motorsports Group with Curtis Key’s No. 33 team. From 2018-2020, Joe Falk was a partner with Archie St. Hilaire of GoFas Motorsports’ No. 32 team. Falk then joined Live Fast Motorsports in 2021 when that team was launched by Matt Tifft and BJ McLeod. McLeod, Tifft and Falk then sold the charter to Spire Motorsports for its No. 71 and driver Zane Smith, who was on loan from Trackhouse Racing that season. Michael McDowell was hired to drive the car starting in 2025, returning to a charter he raced under in 2016 with LFR.
Awarded: Circle Sport No. 33 2016: Leavine Family Racing No. 95 (Michael McDowell, Ty Dillon) 2017: The Motorsports Group No. 33 (Various) 2018: GoFas Racing No. 32 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2019: GoFas Racing No. 32 (Corey Lajoie) 2020: GoFas Racing No. 32 (Corey Lajoie) 2021: Live Fast Motorsports No. 78 (Various) 2022: Live Fast Motorsports No. 78 (Various) 2023: Live Fast Motorsports No. 78 (Various) 2024: Spire Motorsports No. 71 (Zane Smith) 2025: Spire Motorsports No. 71 (Michael McDowell)
Front Row Motorsports No. 34
Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford
Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images
This charter has always been owned by Front Row Motorsports and associated with the No. 34 car driven by Chris Buescher, Landon Cassill, Michael McDowell and now Todd Gilliland during their respective stints. In 2025, as part of a Front Row antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, an appeals court ruled that the team could not maintain its chartered status while also suing the Sanctioning Body over language contained within the document, which left the charter in a state of limbo until the legal process plays itself out.
Awarded: Front Row Motorsports No. 35 2016: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Chris Buscher) 2017: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Landon Cassill) 2018: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2019: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2020: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2021: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2022: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2023: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2024: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Michael McDowell) 2025: Front Row Motorsports No. 34 (Todd Gilliland)
Rick Ware Racing No. 51
Cody Ware, Rick Ware Racing Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
What is now the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 was originally awarded to Front Row Motorsports as the No. 38. Front Row leased the charter to Tri-Star Motorsports in 2018 and sold it to Rick Ware Racing prior to the 2019 season where it has remained ever since. The No. 52 became the No. 27 for 2020. The No. 27 team became the No. 52 for 2021. The No. 52 became the No. 51 for 20220. The team constantly shuffled numbers to avoid the charter becoming at risk of being repossed for performance. Justin Haley drove the car in 2024 and Ware returned to the ride in 2025.
Awarded: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 2016: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Landon Cassill) 2017: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (David Ragan) 2018: TriStar Motorsports No. 34 (Corey Lajoie, Cole Whitt) 2019: Rick Ware Racing No. 52 (Various) 2020: Rick Ware Racing No. 27 (Various) 2021: Rick Ware Racing No. 51 (Cody Ware) 2022: Rick Ware Racing No. 51 (Cody Ware) 2023: Rick Ware Racing No. 51 (Various) 2024: Rick Ware Racing No. 51 (Justin Haley) 2025: Rick Ware Racing No. 51 (Cody Ware)
Trackhouse Racing No. 99
Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Trackhouse Racing and is associated with the No. 99 car driven by Daniel Suarez. It was first awarded to Chip Ganassi Racing in 2016 when it was piloted by Kyle Larson who drove the car until April 2020. Matt Kenseth drove it for the remainder of that season. Ross Chastain drive the No. 42 in 2021 when the team was sold to Trackhouse Racing. Trackhouse retained Chastain and moved him to the No. 1 chartered entry. It signed Daniel Suarez to take over the renumbered No. 99.
Awarded: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 2016: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 (Kyle Larson) 2017: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 (Kyle Larson) 2018: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 (Kyle Larson) 2019: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 (Kyle Larson) 2020: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 (Kyle Larson, Matt Kenseth) 2021: Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 (Ross Chastain) 2022: Trackhouse Racing No. 99 (Daniel Suarez) 2023: Trackhouse Racing No. 99 (Daniel Suarez) 2024: Trackhouse Racing No. 99 (Daniel Suarez) 2025: Trackhouse Racing No. 99 (Daniel Suarez)
Legacy Motor Club No. 43
Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
What is now the No. 43 Legacy Motor Club charter began its life as the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 and was once leased to Rick Ware Racing in 2018 but returned to RPM the following season. Richard Petty Motorsports was purchased by GMS Racing to make the No. 43 charter belong to Petty GMS Racing for the 2022 season and then became the Legacy Motor Club No. 43 when Jimmie Johnson purchased a stake in Petty GMS before the 2023 season. Erik Jones has driven the car across its various ownership structures since the 2021 season.
Awarded: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 2016: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 (Aric Almirola) 2017: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 (Aric Almirola) 2018: Rick Ware Racing No. 52 (Various) 2019: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 (Bubba Wallace) 2020: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 (Bubba Wallace) 2021: Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 (Erik Jones) 2022: Petty GMS Racing No. 43 (Erik Jones) 2023: Legacy Motor Club No. 43 (Erik Jones) 2024: Legacy Motor Club No. 43 (Erik Jones) 2025: Legacy Motor Club No. 43 (Erik Jones)
HYAK Racing No. 47
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by HYAK Racing and has always been associated with the No. 47 car under its various ownership combinations. It was first awarded to JTG-Daugherty Racing in 2016 when it was driven by AJ Allmendinger who drove the car until 2018. Ryan Preece drove it in 2019. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has driven it since 2020. Gordon Smith rebranded the team has HYAK Racing ahead of the 2025 season with the formal departure of team co-founders Tad and Jodi Geschickter.
Awarded: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 2016: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (AJ Allmendinger) 2017: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (AJ Allmendinger) 2018: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (AJ Allmendinger) 2019: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (Ryan Preece) 2020: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (Ricky Stenhouse) 2021: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (Ricky Stenhouse) 2022: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (Ricky Stenhouse) 2023: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (Ricky Stenhouse) 2024: JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 (Ricky Stenhouse) 2025: HYAK Racing No. 47 (Ricky Stenhouse)
Hendrick Motorsports No. 5
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Hendrick Motorsports and associated with the No. 5 car driven by Kyle Larson. It was first awarded to Hendrick in 2016 when it was the No. 48 driven by Jimmie Johnson. It became the No. 5 when Jimmie Johnson retired and his No. 48 was assigned to Alex Bowman. The No. 5 has the lineage of the No. 48 and the final crew that worked with Johnson at Hendrick. Alex Bowman is driving the No. 48 in number only as it is just a rebranded No. 88.
This charter was originally assigned to HScott Motorsports in 2016. Clint Bowyer drove the No. 15 that season. It was sold to Jay Robinson’s Premium Motorsports outfit in 2017 and remained with that team until it was purchased by Rick Ware Racing in advance of the 2021 season. The charter was leased to RFK Racing ahead of the 2025 season for driver Ryan Preece. It will be returned to Ware after the season.
Awarded: HScott Motorsports No. 15 2016: HScott Motorsports No. 15 (Clint Bowyer) 2017: Premium Motorsports No. 15 (Various) 2018: Premium Motorsports No. 15 (Ross Chastain, Justin Marks) 2019: Premium Motorsports No. 15 (Ross Chastain) 2020: Premium Motorsports No. 15 (Brennan Poole) 2021: Rick Ware Racing No. 15 (Various) 2022: Rick Ware Racing No. 15 (Various) 2023: Rick Ware Racing No. 15 (Various) 2024: Rick Ware Racing No. 15 (Various) 2025: RFK Racing No. 60 (Ryan Preece)
Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19
Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Samuel Corum / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Joe Gibbs Racing and has been associated with the No. 19 car for almost the entirety of its existence. It was originally awarded to Michael Waltrip Racing and Immediately sold to Joe Gibbs Racing. The car was driven by Carl Edwards from 2016, Daniel Suarez in 2017 and 2018 and Martin Truex Jr. since 2019. Chase Briscoe has been signed to drive the car starting in 2025.
Awarded: Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 2016: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Carl Edwards) 2017: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Daniel Suarez) 2018: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Daniel Suarez) 2019: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.) 2020: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.) 2021: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.) 2022: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.) 2023: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.) 2024: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.) 2025: Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 (Chase Briscoe)
Spire Motorsports No. 77
Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
What is now the Spire Motorsports No. 77 charter began its life as the Jay Robinson owned No. 62. It was immediately leased to HScott Motorsports in 2016. It was sold to Furniture Row Racing so that organization could field a second car for Erik Jones in 2017. It was sold again in 2018 to former Xfinty Series team owner Todd Braun who immediately entered into an agreement with JTG Daugherty Racing to continue fielding the No. 37. That relationship expired after three years and Braun took the charter to Spire Motorsports in advance of the 2021 season. Braun is no longer part of the ownership group and Spire owns the 77 charter entirely. Carson Hocevar has driven the entry since 2024.
What is now the Kaulig Racing No. 10 began its life as the Furniture Row Racing No. 78 charter. It was sold to Spire Motorsports in 2019 when Furniture Row Racing went out of business and leased to Trackhouse Racing in advance of the 2021 season. Spire then sold the charter to Kaulig Racing for the 2022 season where it has been associated with the No. 31 from 2022 to 2024 with drivers Justin Haley and Daniel Hemric. Rebranded as the No. 10, Ty Dillon will drive the car in 2025.
Awarded: Furniture Row Racing No. 78 2016: Furniture Row Racing No. 78 (Martin Truex Jr) 2017: Furnitire Row Racing No. 78 (Martin Truex Jr) 2018: Furniture Row Racing No. 78 (Martin Truex Jr) 2019: Spire Motorsports No. 77 (Various) 2020: Spire Motorsports No. 77 (Various) 2021: Trackhouse Racing No. 99 (Daniel Suarez) 2022: Kaulig Racing No. 31 (Justin Haley) 2023: Kaulig Racing No. 31 (Justin Haley) 2024: Kaulig Racing No. 31 (Daniel Hemric) 2025: Kaulig Racing No. 10 (Ty Dillon)
Front Row Motorsports No. 38
Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
What is currently the Front Row Motorsports No. 38 charter was first awarded to BK Racing. BK Racing leased it to TriStar Racing in 2017 to run the No. 72. It was sold to Front Row in 2018 after BK Racing filed for Bankruptcy where the charter has remained ever since. Todd Gilliland drove the car from the 2022 season until 2024. Zane Smith will drive the car starting with the 2025 season. In 2025, as part of a Front Row antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, an appeals court ruled that the team could not maintain its chartered status while also suing the Sanctioning Body over language contained within the document, which left the charter in a state of limbo until the legal process plays itself out.
Awarded: BK Racing No. 83 2016: BK Racing No. 83 (Matt DiBenedetto) 2017: TriStar No. 72 (Cole Whitt) 2018: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (David Ragan) 2019: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Matt Tifft) 2020: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (John Hunter Nemechek) 2021: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Anthony Alfredo) 2022: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Todd Gilliland) 2023: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Todd Gilliland) 2024: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Todd Gilliland) 2025: Front Row Motorsports No. 38 (Zane Smith)
Hendrick Motorsports No. 48
Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This charter is currently owned by Hendrick Motorsports and associated with the No. 48 car driven by Alex Bowman. It was first awarded to Hendrick in 2016 when it was the No. 88 driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. It became the No. 48 when Jimmie Johnson retired and Bowman’s team, then racing under the No. 88 banner, was reassigned No. 48.
Meanwhile, quotes from Fred Vasseur suggest Ferrari are in no rush to take drastic measures in testing.
The 57-year-old points to the budget gap as a factor to consider when charting this year’s upgrade plan:
“If a team starts introducing four or five updates in the first races,” he told Gazzetta.
“Or if, for example, they have to send a new floor to a distant race like Japan or China – they’re burning through half their development budget at the start of the year.
“It will therefore be important to carefully evaluate step by step what to do, based on where we are.
“Whoever is ahead of everyone in Melbourne, at the first race, won’t necessarily have the winning car of the year.”
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, Ferrari Media Gallery.
Avoiding mistakes of the past
Ferrari know better than most teams about how deceptive the first races of the year can be. At the beginning of the 2022 regulations, for example, the Maranello team was flying high.
Two wins and one second place for Leclerc in the opening three rounds, alongside DNFs for Verstappen in Australia in Bahrain, painted a very positive picture for the season ahead.
Within a few months, however, Red Bull not only out-developed their Italian rivals, but also eliminated all reliability issues – whereas Ferrari suffered a series of devastating retirements in Spain and Baku.
Moreover, the last set of regulations showed the price of investing in the pursuit of a flawed concept.
Mercedes in 2022, Aston Martin in 2023 and even Red Bull in 2024 were headline examples of wasting resources on upgrades that were taking the car in the wrong direction.
Ferrari themselves faced this issue during the European leg of the 2024 season, with updates at the Spanish GP derailing the team’s progress that season.
Eager to avoid this fate over the next twelve months, Fred Vasseur has reason to exercise a measured approach. The question is whether the work fundamentals being developed at the factory in Maranello are strong enough to build upon.
AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Those in Augusta this weekend was revving up their engines with all things motor sports related and beyond.
The 37th annual Northeast Motorsports Expo wrapped up Sunday at the Augusta Civic Center.
The event brings together many motor sport organizations as well as vendors from all over New England under a single roof. An award show also took place yesterday afternoon.
Motor vehicles highlighted this year included everything from short track and drag racing, go karts, dirt bikes and much more.
Organizer Stephen Perry says it’s also a great opportunity for fans to meet drivers before the start of this year’s motor sports season.
“At a race track it’s hard to get up close to talk to these drivers, because their doing their job that day. But here you can talk to them and ask them questions about their cars or a particular race that they’ve won. It’s a more laid-back atmosphere than at a racetrack,” says Perry.
In total, around 2,700 individuals from across New England were in attendance over the weekend.
Chris Knight has served as a senior staff writer and news editor for CATCHFENCE.com since 2001.
In his 20-plus years with CATCHFENCE.com, he has covered NASCAR’s top three national series, often breaking news and providing exclusive at-track content, including in-depth race weekend coverage.
He also offers insider coverage of the entire Motorsports platform, including the ARCA Menards Series.
In 2022, Knight became co-owner of CATCHFENCE.com.
In addition to his active duties at CATCHFENCE.com and other Motorsports-related endeavors, he is also a frequent contributor to SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.
You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Knighter01 or on Instagram, Snapchat, or Threads at @TheKnighter01.
Daytona International Speedway announced today that three-time GRAMMY-award winning country music superstar Miranda Lambert is set to perform the DAYTONA 500 pre-race concert. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history is set to kickstart the festivities prior to the 68th running of The Great American Race.
“To have this level of talent with an artist such as Miranda Lambert performing our pre-race concert adds an incredible amount of energy for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “Her powerhouse vocals and passion for music are the perfect mix to represent the prestige of this event. Get ready for the thunder of country music before we wave the green flag and engines roar to kick off the 2026 season!”
Lambert’s generational career in the country music scene has spanned over 20 years, with her first chart-topping studio album Kerosene released in 2005. She has since released nine additional solo albums, plus collaborative projects as part of the Pistol Annies as well as GRAMMY-nominated album The Marfa Tapes together with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram.
A multi-dimensional superstar, she’s earned seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 80 prestigious awards and countless RIAA certifications; conquered Las Vegas with her twice-extended Velvet Rodeo residency; and blurred genres with Leon Bridges, the B-52s, Loretta Lynn, Enrique Iglesias, Sheryl Crow, Elle King; and was named to the TIME100 list honoring the world’s 100 most influential people.
Lambert’s most recent album, the current GRAMMY-nominee Postcards from Texas, continued her unbroken streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart. Lambert also recently collaborated with Chris Stapleton on “A Song to Sing,” as well as Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson on “Trailblazer,” both of which are also nominated at the upcoming 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
In addition to performing at Daytona International Speedway, Lambert has various tour appearances scheduled across the country through summer 2026. In addition to her own storied music career, she has taken those standards to become a label co-founder, teaming with longtime collaborator Jon Randall to launch their own imprint, Big Loud Texas, in partnership with Big Loud Records. Lambert is also a New York Times best-selling author and was the first female restaurateur on Lower Broadway with her Tex-Mex cantina Casa Rosa, while also expanding her creative reach with her Wanda June Home collection and Idyllwind western wear brand. Her passion for rescue animals inspired the creation of her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised over $11 million since inception to promote adoption, support shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.
The action begins on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light, setting the field for the Duel At DAYTONA, which occurs the following night on Thursday, Feb. 12, where drivers will battle it out for a spot in the coveted Great American Race.
The season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series kick off on Friday, Feb. 13, starting with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Saturday, Feb. 14, will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series race followed by the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.
Then Sunday, Feb. 15, the USAF Thunderbirds will perform their flyover, preparing both fans and drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series for an intense battle in the DAYTONA 500.
For more information regarding the DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
New installation celebrates the owners who helped shape NASCAR competition
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 10, 2026) – “Glory Road: Owners,” the sixth edition of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s signature Glory Road exhibit, is now on display.
The next generation of this exhibit places ownership at the forefront, highlighting the leaders who helped steer NASCAR from its early days to today’s championship-level competition.
Reimagined every three years, the Hall’s Glory Road exhibit reflects the sport’s evolving history.
“The process for identifying the theme and cars for our iconic Glory Road exhibit is among the most challenging and enjoyable activities we are blessed to do here at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The ‘Glory Road: Owners’ edition is no exception,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
“Our exhibits team has done a phenomenal job selecting a wide range and diverse group of owners and cars to show the remarkable depth and breadth of owners who have been a critical foundation of NASCAR’s history throughout our nearly 80-year history. I believe our guests will be equally impressed and excited with Glory Road: Owners.”
Encircling the Great Hall, Glory Road has served as one of the Hall’s most prominent focal points since opening in 2010.
Along its iconic banked track, visitors will see firsthand how team owners shaped every aspect of NASCAR, from car design and competition strategy to the drivers and teams who became household names.
The collection features 18 historic cars spanning model years 1937 through 2025, representing seven manufacturers across six racing series, and offers an immersive journey through the sport’s evolution.
Fourteen of the owners featured are NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees.
Together, they account for 55 NASCAR Cup Series championships, nearly 1,700 race wins and 44 Daytona 500 victories, showing the remarkable influence these leaders have had on the sport.
“It is always exciting to present new stories, interactives and historic artifacts to our guests,” said Kevin Schlesier, Senior Director, Museum and Industry Affairs, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
“Glory Road: Owners is part of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s commitment to continually update and change exhibits to engage our visitors and to bring new aspects of NASCAR’s history to light.
“It is an honor to be entrusted with these 18 historic race cars that bring to the forefront the incredible contributions owners have made in growing the sport. It is an equal privilege to create unique displays and digital interactives to bring the stories to life.”
Below is the complete lineup of new cars installed on Glory Road.
More details on each owner and car are available here.
Additionally, the full media kit is available here.
Roger Penske (Class of 2019) / Team Penske / 2022 Ford Mustang
Wendell Scott (Class of 2015) / Wendell Scott Racing / 1937 Ford Modified
Glenn Wood (Class of 2012) / Wood Brothers Racing / 1954 Ford Coupe
Bud Moore (Class of 2011) / Bud Moore Engineering / 1964 Mercury Marauder
John Holman, Ralph Moody (Class of 2025) / Holman Moody Racing / 1965 Ford Galaxie
Junie Donlavey / Donlavey Racing / 1979 Ford Thunderbird
Lee Petty (Class of 2011) / Petty Enterprises / 1981 Buick Regal
Junior Johnson (Class of 2010) / Junior Johnson & Associates / 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Robert Yates (Class of 2018) / Robert Yates Racing / 1992 Ford Thunderbird
Jack Roush (Class of 2019) / Roush Racing / 1997 Ford Thunderbird
Richard Childress (Class of 2017) / Richard Childress Racing / 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Rick Hendrick (Class of 2017) / Hendrick Motorsports / 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Ray Evernham (Class of 2018) / Evernham Motorsports / 2006 Dodge Charger
Duke and Rhonda Thorson / ThorSport Racing / 2019 Ford F-150
Joe Gibbs (Class of 2020) / Joe Gibbs Racing / 2022 Toyota Supra
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Class of 2021), Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Rick Hendrick (Class of 2017) / JR Motorsports / 2024 Chevrolet Camaro
Kevin and DeLana Harvick / Kevin Harvick Inc. / 2025 Chevrolet Camaro
Bill Blair / Bill Blair Racing / 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88
“Glory Road: Owners” will be on display through December 2028 and is included with general admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Tickets, hours and additional information are available at nascarhall.com.
About the NASCAR Hall of Fame:
Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR.
The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop.
Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, the only teams in the Cup Series to field four entries, are also the most successful teams in NASCAR. In any given season, they are expected to get at least one of their drivers to the championship finale. But what are the chances that they get all four drivers there?
All four drivers of a team reaching the finale is unprecedented, no doubt, even for JGR and Hendrick Motorsports. Recently, Dave Alpern, the president of Joe Gibbs Racing, discussed this ‘perfect’ scenario in a video for his team media.
“There are only two organizations that could happen, and that’s Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Alpern.
“Because we are the only ones with four. We are the only ones that have ever put three in. I can tell you one thing. It’s really stressful,” added Alpern, before explaining how dynamics and resources get stretched in the process.
Alpern likened it to having multiple children participating in the same competition, knowing that all except one is going to lose. As stressful as such a scenario would be, he recognizes that it would be an amazing problem to have.
“I would love to try it one year. I am sure our friends down the road will love that as well,” continued Alpern.
The logistics and the sheer workload that would go into such a setting would be massive, to say the least. Moreover, the current format will require three of the cars to each win a race in the playoffs’ Round of 8, while the final car will have to qualify on points for this to happen.
Yes, technically, it could happen. Alpern hopes it does happen. But the question is if it ever will.
“I hope it does happen. In some ways, it’d be great because you’d clinch the championship the week before. But it sounds like the playoff format might change. So, we may never get to find out,” said Alpern.
NASCAR is on the verge of announcing key changes to the existing playoff format. Word around town is that a multi-race championship round is on the cards instead of a single race.
However, speculations will have to wait until official word comes from Daytona. Until then, Joe Gibbs Racing fans can look back at the historic 2019 season, when the team put three drivers in the Championship 4.
Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., and Denny Hamlin had competed for the title alongside Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick. Busch eventually won that year.
