NASCAR 2025: Breaking Down the Major Changes Heading into New Season
Changes in NASCAR for 2025 Season
The 2025 NASCAR season brings significant changes across teams, drivers, and schedules, with the first race just 25 days away at the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
NASCAR cars racing at Phoenix Raceway
Key Driver Changes:
- Noah Gragson moves to Front Row Motorsports (#4 Ford)
- Chase Briscoe joins Joe Gibbs Racing (#19 Toyota)
- Josh Berry takes over Wood Brothers Racing (#21 Ford)
- Riley Herbst joins 23XI Racing as third driver
- Ryan Preece moves to RFK Racing (#60 Ford)
- Michael McDowell transfers to Spire Motorsports (#71 Chevrolet)
- Shane van Gisbergen promoted to Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing (#88 Chevrolet)
Notable Team Updates:
- RFK Racing expands to three cars
- Front Row Motorsports adds third car
- 23XI Racing grows to three-car team
- Stewart-Haas Racing rebrands to Haas Factory Team
- JTG Daugherty Racing becomes Hyak Motorsports
Schedule Changes:
- Season opens at Bowman Gray Stadium (Feb. 1-2)
- Added practice session before Daytona 500 qualifying
- Mexico City added to June schedule
- Five-race tournament: Atlanta, Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis
- Daytona returns as regular season finale
- Darlington becomes postseason opener
Broadcast Updates:
- FOX Sports: Clash, Daytona 500, All-Star Race, Truck Series
- Prime: First half season practice/qualifying
- TNT Sports: Second half season practice/qualifying on Max and truTV
Outstanding Matters:
- RFK Racing crew chief for Preece
- Hamlin's sponsorship gap after FedEx departure
- Rick Ware Racing #51 driver confirmation
- Additional sponsorships for multiple teams
- Rookie of the Year candidates to be determined
Season begins with practice and qualifying on February 1, followed by heat races and the main event on February 2 at Bowman Gray Stadium.
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