NASCAR Ford Drivers In The Dark About Their Futures At SHR

The future of NASCAR Ford team Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) beyond the 2024 season is shrouded in mystery, and rumors are rampant in the Cup Series garage. Some hint at SHR ditching Ford for Honda, although the organization is reportedly discussing the possibility of selling off its charters, which could result in SHR closing its doors permanently next year. Unfortunately, that would leave four Cup Series drivers without rides in 2025 – and even they aren’t sure what’s going on with SHR, according to a recent report from Fox Sports.

Last weekend at the All-Star Race, Noah Gragson, driver of the No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse fielded by SHR, won the fan vote, which secured a slot for him in the main event. If SHR goes down, Gragson will be a free agent, and he said that fan support is a good thing for him to have on his resume.

“It’s definitely something you can lean on for marketing [yourself],” Gragson said. “I’ve got great support from the fans and definitely can use it for a little bit of leverage in the future.”

Chase Briscoe currently drives the No. 14 Mustang, but he said that he hasn’t heard anything about SHR’s 2025 plans, and that he isn’t allowed to start talking to other teams in the meantime.

“I am not really allowed to [talk to other teams] until somebody tells me what I can do – until they tell me if they’re picking me back up for next year or if there is a next year, nobody really knows for next year,” Briscoe said. “I push for answers, but nobody knows anything. It’s crazy. I feel like when there are rumors people know stuff, but it seems nobody knows anything.”

Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 41 Mustang, could also be looking for a ride at the end of the year if SHR shutters. His teammate Josh Berry is a rookie in the Cup Series and only took control of the No. 4 NASCAR Ford at the start of the 2024 season, and now, he feels like he’s racing for his job.

“I most definitely feel like that’s the case,” he said. “And I’m going to race like it.”