NASCAR fans spend countless hours debating who’s really dominating the track these days.
With new talent emerging and veterans proving they’ve still got it, this year’s Cup Series season has everyone talking.
Some drivers are capturing hearts with their bold moves, while others win fans through their genuine personalities off the track.
Readers want to know who’s making waves both on and off the speedway.
This blog reveals the upcoming list of NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ names of 2026, and which ones are going to make it in the Cup Series this year.
Who are the Faces of NASCAR in 2026?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup continues the evolution that began in 2025.
Several promising rookies are preparing to make their full-time debuts, building on the success stories of drivers like Shane van Gisbergen and Jesse Love from the previous season.
Veteran drivers are expected to announce more retirements during the off-season, creating additional opportunities for younger talent.
Some established stars may switch teams as contracts expire, potentially reshuffling the competitive landscape once again. Team ownership changes remain a hot topic heading into 2026.
Several organizations are forming new manufacturing partnerships, while others are focusing on expanding their operations.
NASCAR’s changing face reflects a sport balancing tradition with innovation as it moves forward.
Upcoming Line-Up for NASCAR Cup Series in 2026
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series grid is taking shape with exciting possibilities.
Early contract discussions and team announcements hint at another season filled with surprises, new partnerships, and rising stars ready to make their mark.
| Team / Manufacturer | Car(s) – Driver(s) |
|---|---|
| Hendrick (Chevy) | 5-Larson, 9-Elliott, 24-Byron, 48-Bowman |
| Team Penske (Ford) | 2-Cindric, 12-Blaney, 22-Logano |
| Rcr (Chevy) | 3-A. Dillon, 8-K. Busch |
| Rfk (Ford) | 6-Keselowski, 17-Buescher, 60-Preece |
| Joe Gibbs (Toyota) | 11-Hamlin, 19-Briscoe, 20-Bell, 54-T. Gibbs |
| Trackhouse (Chevy) | 1-Chastain, 88-Van Gisbergen |
| Kaulig (Chevy) | 10-T. Dillon, 16-Allmendinger |
| Spire (Chevy) | 7-Haley, 71-Mc Dowell, 77-Hocevar |
| Legacy Mc (Toyota) | 42-J.H. Nemechek, 43-E. Jones, 84-Johnson |
| 23 Xi (Toyota) | 45-Reddick |
| Front Row (Ford) | 4-Gragson |
| Wood Bros (Ford) | 21-Berry |
| Haas (Ford) | 41-Custer |
| Hyak (Chevy) | 47-Stenhouse Jr. |
| Rwr (Ford) | 51-C. Ware |
Complete List of All Nascar Drivers of 2025
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series grid features a mix of powerhouse teams and talented NASCAR drivers’ names, including some rising stars who are Xfinity drivers.
Here’s how the driver lineup breaks down across all competing organizations.
1. Hendrick Motorsports: The Four Horsemen
Image Source: Hendrick Motorsports
This legendary team continues its dominance with four championship-caliber drivers.
| Driver Name | Car No. | Primary Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Cars.Com |
| Chase Elliott | 9 | Napa Auto Parts |
| William Byron | 24 | Axalta |
| Alex Bowman | 48 | Ally |
2. Joe Gibbs Racing: Toyota’s Elite Squad
Image Source: NASCAR
JGR fields multiple cars with rotating drivers throughout the season.
| Driver Name | Car No. | Primary Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Denny Hamlin | 11 | Fed Ex |
| Ryan Truex | 11 | Fed Ex |
| Chase Briscoe | 19 | Bass Pro Shops |
| Christopher Bell | 20 | Rheem |
| Ty Gibbs | 54 | Monster Energy |
3. Team Penske: The Captain’s Crew
Three proven winners represent the blue and white colors.
- Ryan Blaney (#12) – Menards
- Austin Cindric (#2) – Discount Tire
- Joey Logano (#22) – Shell-Pennzoil
4. Richard Childress Racing: Welcome Back, Kyle
Image Source: NASCAR
RCR made waves by bringing Kyle Busch into the fold, plus adding young talent.
| Driver Name | Car No. | Primary Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Dillon | 3 | Bass Pro Shops |
| Kyle Busch | 8 | Cheddars |
| Austin Hill | 33 | Tbd |
| Jesse Love | 33 | Tbd |
5. 23 Xi Racing: Michael Jordan’s Vision
Image Source: NASCAR
The basketball legend’s team continues growing with two competitive entries.
- Bubba Wallace (#23) – McDonald’s
- Tyler Reddick (#45) – Monster Energy
6. Trackhouse Racing Team: The Rising Stars
Image Source: NASCAR
Justin Marks’ organization continues to expand with an international flavor.
| Driver Name | Car No. | Primary Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Chastain | 1 | Advent Health |
| Shane Van Gisbergen | 88 | Cincinnati |
| Daniel Suarez | 99 | 3 Chi |
7. Rfk Racing: Brad’s House
Image Source: Sports Casting
Keselowski’s team fields two Ford entries with solid backing.
- Brad Keselowski (#6) – Kohler Power Reserve
- Chris Buescher (#17) – Fastenal
8. Spire Motorsports: Building Momentum
Image Source: NASCAR
This organization continues its upward trajectory with three competitive cars.
| Driver Name | Car No. | Primary Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Haley | 7 | Built Bar |
| Michael McDowell | 71 | Tbd |
| Carson Hocevar | 77 | Smithfield |
9. Legacy Motor Club: Petty Gms Partnership
Image Source: The Daily Down Force
The merged organization fields multiple entries with veteran leadership.
- John Hunter Nemechek (#42) – Dollar Tree
- Erik Jones (#43) – Advent Health
- Jimmie Johnson (#84) – Carvana
10. Kaulig Racing: Full-Time Cup Commitment
The team that made its mark in Xfinity now runs two Cup entries.
| Driver Name | Car No. | Primary Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Ty Dillon | 10 | Sea Best |
| Aj Allmendinger | 16 | Adrenaline Shoc |
11. Single-Car Operations & Part-Time Entries
Smaller teams and part-time competitors play crucial roles in filling out the NASCAR Cup Series field, bringing unique stories and fierce determination to every race weekend.
- Wood Brothers Racing: Josh Berry (#21) – Motorcraft
- Stewart-Haas Racing: Noah Gragson (#4) – Gearwrench
- Haas: Cole Custer (#41) – Haas Automation
- JTG Daugherty Racing: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47) – Kroger
- Front Row Motorsports: Todd Gilliland (#34) – Love’s Travel Stops and Zane Smith (#38) – Frontline Enterprises
- Rick Ware Racing: Cody Ware (#51) – Tree Top Apple Juice and Harrison Burton (#51) – Tree Top Apple Juice
- Live Fast Motorsports: Katherine Legge (#78) – Power Slap Rumble and B.J. McLeod (#78) – Power Slap Rumble
New Additions and Notable Changes in this Season’s Roster
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series continues its evolution with strategic roster moves that balance experience and fresh talent.
While major shakeups remain limited, key changes at several teams create intriguing storylines for the upcoming season.
Rising Stars Enter the Spotlight
Connor Zilisch headlines the 2026 rookie class as he steps into Daniel Suárez’s former ride at Trackhouse Racing.
The young driver earned his promotion through impressive performances in NASCAR’s developmental series.
Shane van Gisbergen, though no longer a rookie, transitions to the No. 88 car within Trackhouse after his successful 2025 debut season.
Strategic Roster Adjustments Across Teams
Daniel Suárez’s departure from Trackhouse creates the season’s most significant driver movement, though his future destination remains unannounced.
Justin Haley faces uncertainty at Spire Motorsports following a challenging 2025 campaign that raised questions about his long-term status.
However, Front Row Motorsports provided stability by securing multi-year extensions for Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, and Zane Smith, ensuring consistent leadership for their expanding program moving forward into the new season.
Established Teams Maintain Championship Focus
Top-tier organizations prioritized continuity over change heading into 2026.
Hendrick Motorsports locked up its championship quartet of Chase Elliott, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman with long-term extensions.
Joe Gibbs Racing similarly secured Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs for multiple seasons.
Team Penske rounded out the stability trend by extending Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano.
Legacy Motor Club also maintained consistency by retaining John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones through contract renewals.
How are NASCAR drivers Assigned Car Numbers?
NASCAR car numbers aren’t randomly picked from a hat.
Teams actually own or lease specific numbers from NASCAR, treating them like valuable property.
When a team wants a particular number, they must either purchase it from the current owner or wait for it to become available through non-use.
Some numbers carry special meaning. The Wood Brothers have used No. 21 for decades, while Hendrick Motorsports owns several iconic digits.
Drivers often choose numbers based on personal significance, family connections, or sponsorship requirements.
However, certain numbers, like number 3, remain retired out of respect for racing legends.
Numbers 00-99 are available, though single digits and historically significant combinations command premium prices in NASCAR’s number marketplace.
The Final Thought
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series roster represents more than just driver changes; it signals a sport in transition.
These roster moves matter because they’re reshaping competitive balance across all teams.
From Hendrick’s continued dominance to the Legacy Motor Club’s Toyota transition, every change creates ripple effects throughout the garage.
Keep watching how these new dynamics play out on track. Will the rookies maintain their early momentum? Can veteran teams adapt to increased competition?
Share your thoughts on which 2025 addition will make the biggest impact, and stay tuned for more NASCAR coverage as this exciting season unfolds.
