NASCAR Cup Driver/Team Changes for the 2024 Season
A look at the driver and team changes across the NASCAR Cup Series grid for the 2024 season.
Stewart-Haas Racing replaces outgoing veterans
Stewart-Haas Racing will be making some changes in their driver lineup for the 2024 season. Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup champion, will be stepping out of the driver's seat and taking on a new role in the broadcast booth. Aric Almirola, another experienced driver, will now compete part-time with Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Stewart-Haas Racing has signed two new young drivers, Josh Berry and Noah Gragson, to join their team for 2024.
Josh Berry, who previously subbed for an injured Chase Elliott in the Cup Series, will be replacing Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 Ford Mustang. Berry has had success in the Xfinity Series and Late Model cars, with several wins to his name. Noah Gragson, who had a tumultuous 2023 season, will take over the No. 10 Ford Mustang previously driven by Almirola. Gragson has shown potential in the lower divisions and will be looking to make a mark in the Cup Series.
Spire Motorsports adds two rookie drivers
Spire Motorsports, a rapidly-expanding team, is adding two rookie drivers to their lineup for the 2024 season. Carson Hocevar will be driving the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro, previously driven by Ty Dillon. Hocevar has shown promise in his limited Cup starts and will be the youngest full-time driver on the grid. Zane Smith, the 2022 Truck Series champion, will be driving the No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro. Smith is under contract with Trackhouse Racing but will be racing with Spire thanks to their acquisition of a charter from Live Fast Motorsports.
Smith has shown potential in his Cup starts and will be looking to continue his success in the Cup Series. Both Hocevar and Smith will be competing alongside teammate Corey LaJoie.
Hemric and Nemechek get another shot at Cup
Daniel Hemric and John-Hunter Nemechek will be getting another chance in the Cup Series for the 2024 season. Hemric previously competed full-time in the Cup Series in 2019 but didn't have much success. After winning the Xfinity Series title in 2021, Hemric has now been promoted to the Cup Series by Kaulig Racing. He will be driving the No. 31 Chevrolet previously driven by Justin Haley, who will now be driving for Rick Ware Racing.
Nemechek also ran full-time in the Cup Series in 2020 but didn't have great results. He then competed in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series, where he had more success. In 2024, he will be making his Cup return with Legacy Motor Club, driving the No. 42 car. The team, co-owned by Jimmie Johnson, has switched from Chevrolet to Toyota for the upcoming season.
Shane van Gisbergen's big NASCAR move
Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen will be transitioning to stock car racing in 2024. He has already proven himself in the Cup Series, winning on debut at the Chicago Street Course. However, he has limited experience on ovals, with just one start in the Truck Series. In 2024, he will be running at least 41 races, including the entire NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule with Kaulig Racing and seven Cup starts with Trackhouse Racing.
Van Gisbergen's move to NASCAR will be a challenge, but he has already shown his talent and potential in the series. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the oval tracks and competes against the top drivers in NASCAR.
