NASCAR Rumors: With SHR’s Implosion Imminent, Where Do their Charters Head in the Silly Season?

That being said, if Stewart-Haas does end up selling their charters, which teams could swoop in and expand their Cup Series domain? With NASCAR’s popularity on the rise, SHR’s misfortunes may be the opportunity many smaller teams need to grow more competitive.

Will Front Row Motorsports take over Stewart-Haas Racing as Ford’s top dogs?

If there’s any merger between Stewart-Haas Racing and another team, it has to be Front Row Motorsports according to Estepp. With FRM taking over two charters, a lot of SHR’s young talent could find themselves with a seat for the future. Estepp added, “That’s where Cole Custer to the #34 comes into play. He’s a Cup Series winner, defending Xfinity Series champion, and he gets another shot in the Cup Series. Noah Gragson has revitalized his career from sponsorships with Bass Pro Shops and other loyal partners. I think he gets the #36.” 

Apart from Gragson and Cole Custer, Eric Estepp believes Josh Berry could be in luck if FRM decided to buy four charters. Although Berry hasn’t had the best of seasons, his close connection with one of NASCAR’s greatest crew chiefs could work in FRM’s favor. Estepp concluded, “We know Rodney Childres is a huge Josh Berry cheerleader, and that’s the kind of established crew chief that could come over and build Front Row Motorsports into a contender. I’ll give Josh Berry a seat and of course, Todd Gilliland stays in the #38 car, they love him over there.” 

Could Justin Marks speed up Trackhouse Racing’s Cup Series trajectory with a charter purchase?

According to Estepp, securing an in-house seat for Zane Smith will be essential for Trackhouse Racing. He stated, “They have to be aggressive, they have to make some moves this year. I think they get one charter for Zane Smith, Zane is a Truck Series champion. I know his rookie year has been a struggle, but by bringing him in-house, I think he’ll flourish. I know he’s better than what he’s shown this year.” 

At the same time, Estepp believes Shane van Gisbergen might not have a seat with Trackhouse Racing so soon. Despite flashes of greatness in both Cup and Xfinity, the Australian Supercars veteran still has a long way to go in Oval racing. Estepp concluded, “He’s more than capable on the road courses, but NASCAR is so much more than the road courses. I don’t think they need to rush him to Cup just yet.” 

After taking a look at all the possible prospects for Stewart-Haas Racing’s future replacements, who do you think could take over one of NASCAR’s greatest teams of the modern era?