NASCAR Driver Market Update: Buescher Extends with RFK as Silly Season Shakeup Looms

Two Cup drivers currently hold pivotal roles in NASCAR’s evolving silly season landscape, with one not even entering a contract year. Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports represents the most prominent driver without a 2027 agreement, and his team’s future direction could significantly influence the market dynamics. Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch—signed through 2026—is among NASCAR’s highest-profile prospects, though Trackhouse Racing’s struggles raise the possibility of an early departure reminiscent of Tyler Reddick’s previous transfer.

The tragic passing of Kyle Busch on May 21 creates an extended ripple effect well beyond the driver market, as Richard Childress Racing must determine its 2027 trajectory moving forward.

The most recent development came June 16, when Chris Buescher and RFK Racing finalized a contract extension. Here’s how each organization stands, ranked by owner points following the June 14 Pocono race:

23XI Racing

Corey Heim will replace Riley Herbst at 23X1 (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Corey Heim has been announced as a full-time driver, replacing Riley Herbst (27th in the standings). Tyler Reddick (first) recently extended his contract, while Bubba Wallace (13th) is in an option year and expected to return.

Joe Gibbs Racing

(L-R) Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell will all be back at JGR next season (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Changes appear unlikely for JGR in 2026. Ty Gibbs (fifth), Denny Hamlin (second), Chase Briscoe (12th), and Christopher Bell (10th) are all contracted beyond this season. However, the team must plan for Hamlin’s eventual full-time retirement after 2027, with Brent Crews—JGR’s ARCA driver—viewed as the primary development path to Cup readiness.

Team Penske

Ryan Blaney will be back at Team Penske for the 2027 season. (Photo by Krista Jasso/Getty Images)

With Ryan Blaney (third) having extended and Joey Logano (18th) under contract, Penske’s lineup appears stable. Austin Cindric (16th) remains the only driver without a 2027 deal, though all positioned ahead of him are expected to return to their current roles.

Hendrick Motorsports

Will the Hendrick stable look different next season? (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Kyle Larson (sixth), Chase Elliott (fourth), and William Byron (11th) are secured through 2026. Bowman’s future remains uncertain due to recurring injuries that sidelined him for four races this season, dropping him to 32nd in points. Corey Day, competing in the ARCA series, is likely a year from Cup readiness after recent victories at Talladega and Dover, while Zilisch could also be a consideration if Hendrick seeks internal options.

RFK Racing

Brad Keselowski has noted he’s not yet ready for retirement. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Beyond Buescher’s extension, RFK faces decisions across its roster. Ryan Preece (19th) may explore open-car opportunities given the team’s lease arrangement with Legacy Motor Club for 2026. Brad Keselowski (17th) intends to continue racing well beyond his stated retirement timeline, while the team maintains strong Kroger sponsorship support.

Spire Motorsports

Carson Hocevar is locked in at Spire. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Carson Hocevar (ninth) is committed long-term. Michael McDowell and Daniel Suárez remain without deals, though Spire’s Hendrick alliance could facilitate internal moves if needed. Suárez’s eighth-place standing versus McDowell’s 20th creates an internal decision point.

Trackhouse Racing

Shane Van Gisbergen will have a home again at Trackhouse next year. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

All three drivers—Ross Chastain, Shane Van Gisbergen, and Zilisch—are contracted through 2026. However, Zilisch’s 34th-place standing versus Van Gisbergen’s 14th and Chastain’s 23rd puts pressure on performance, potentially making him available if financial incentives arise elsewhere.

Front Row Motorsports

Noah Gragson’s big personality might not save his ride at FRM. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Zane Smith’s extension provides stability (24th in points). Todd Gilliland (25th) merits renewal, while Noah Gragson’s 29th-place ranking threatens his position despite his personality. Layne Riggs or Chandler Smith could step in depending on sponsorship availability, and Josh Berry’s recent availability adds intrigue to the conversation.

Legacy Motor Club
Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek showed improvement since April, sitting 15th and 26th respectively. Legacy will add a third chartered car next season, with Riley Herbst projected for that ride.

Kaulig Racing

Ty Dillon (L) and AJ Allmendinger are not locked in at Kaulig next year. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

AJ Allmendinger (21st) and Ty Dillon (31st) are without 2026 commitments. The lack of manufacturer support creates uncertainty, though Dodge’s potential Cup entry in 2027 remains possible. Josh Berry could factor into discussions but lacks sponsorship backing.

Hyak Motorsports

Ricky Stenhouse Jr is set for next season. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (22nd) signed a contract extension in May and will remain with the organization.

Richard Childress Racing

Austin Dillon should be back at RCR for the 2027 season. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Austin Dillon is expected to return (28th in points). The No. 33 car’s driver will depend on Austin Hill’s development progress, though alcohol and nicotine pouch sponsorships may require an age-conscious selection given typical marketing considerations.

Wood Brothers

Josh Berry sits 31st in the NASCAR Cup standings. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Josh Berry confirmed June 10 he won’t return after this season (30th in points). Defending ARCA champion Jesse Love is the likely candidate for the ride.

Haas Factory Team

It has not been the best year for Cole Custer. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Cole Custer (33rd) struggles through a challenging season, though his May performance offers hope for improvement moving forward.

Rick Ware Racing

Cody Ware should be set for next season. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Provided RWR doesn’t pursue sale, Cody Ware should retain his drive.

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