The period known as NASCAR’s Silly Season when teams and drivers negotiate contracts and make lineup changes for the coming year often begins slowly, giving the impression that few major moves are on the horizon. Then, unexpectedly, a single shake-up can send shockwaves throughout the Cup Series.
So far, 2025’s Silly Season has been unusually calm. One executive involved in free agency described it as “very, very quiet,” while another called it simply “crickets.” Unlike past years, the current industry expectation is that things will remain relatively uneventful.
This stability is largely due to the fact that four of NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, and 23XI Racing already have their driver lineups mostly locked in through 2026. Across the rest of the field, many drivers are mid-contract or secured by sponsorship commitments, limiting movement.
Still, the landscape could shift by summer, when many deals are traditionally finalized. Here are the key storylines and teams to watch:
Trackhouse Racing: The Biggest Wild Card
Trackhouse Racing may be the focal point of this year’s Silly Season. With four drivers under contract but only three Cup Series seats available, tough decisions are looming. Ross Chastain has a secure spot and has continued to perform at a high level. That leaves Daniel Suárez, Shane van Gisbergen, and rising Xfinity Series talent Connor Zilisch vying for the remaining two seats.
Suárez is in the final year of his contract and currently sits 30th in points. Despite his struggles, he remains popular within the organization and brings sponsor backing. Van Gisbergen, a road course standout, has found adapting to ovals challenging and ranks just behind Suárez in points. Zilisch, a promising 18-year-old in his first full Xfinity season, could be promoted but Trackhouse may opt to let him develop another year while giving him limited Cup exposure.
Trackhouse owner Justin Marks emphasized that no final decisions have been made. “We just want [Zilisch] to get that experience,” he said, stressing that the Cup Series is a steep learning curve and the team is focused on development, not results. This gives Trackhouse the flexibility to delay a major roster shakeup until 2027.
Van Gisbergen’s future could be swayed by upcoming races three of the next seven are road/street courses where he could shine. A strong showing may secure his spot with the team.
Denny Hamlin: Likely Staying Put
Denny Hamlin, a long-time fixture at Joe Gibbs Racing, is technically in a contract year. However, few expect a surprise departure. Negotiations are ongoing, and Hamlin has indicated a new deal should be finalized soon.
Kaulig Racing and AJ Allmendinger: Familiar Uncertainty
Kaulig Racing is known for its annual lineup reshuffling, and veteran AJ Allmendinger is once again in limbo. Having bounced between the team’s Cup and Xfinity programs, he’s unsure where he’ll be in 2026. However, team president Chris Rice confirmed that Allmendinger will “100 percent” remain in the No. 16 Cup car next year, crediting his performance and leadership.
Corey Heim: A Future Cup Star in Waiting
Corey Heim, currently a reserve driver for 23XI Racing, has built an impressive résumé in the Truck Series and has impressed during his Cup starts. Team co-owner Denny Hamlin sees a bright future for Heim, but with 23XI’s 2026 roster locked in (Reddick, Wallace, and Herbst), there’s no room for him yet.
Instead, Heim will continue his development with occasional Cup starts and full-time competition elsewhere, likely targeting 2027 for a full-time Cup debut. Hamlin praised Heim’s commitment and patience, saying he’s “doing everything asked” and understands the long-term vision.
Other Drivers to Watch
Several other names could factor into the 2026 driver market, though movement is not guaranteed. These include:
Aric Almirola
Corey LaJoie
Jesse Love
Sam Mayer
Chandler Smith
In summary, while NASCAR’s Silly Season can sometimes explode with sudden drama, this year’s edition appears to be unfolding with relative calm at least for now. The real intrigue may not be in sweeping changes, but in subtle positioning for 2027 and beyond.
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