All Four Former Cup Series Drivers from Stewart-Haas Have Found New Teams for Next Season

Title: All Four Former Cup Series Drivers from Stewart-Haas Have Found New Teams for Next Season

As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season rapidly approaches, significant changes are taking place in the sport’s driver lineup. Perhaps one of the most notable transitions has been seen at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), where all four former Cup Series drivers have found new homes for the upcoming season. These shifts highlight the ever-evolving nature of NASCAR, where drivers, teams, and sponsors continuously adjust to changing circumstances, competitive dynamics, and business priorities. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these driver moves, examining the background behind each transition, the implications for Stewart-Haas Racing, and what fans can expect from these new pairings.

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Stewart-Haas Racing: A Period of Change

Stewart-Haas Racing has long been one of the most competitive teams in NASCAR, fielding a stable of veteran drivers capable of challenging for wins and championships. Founded in 2002 as a joint venture between NASCAR legend Tony Stewart and businessman Gene Haas, SHR quickly became a force in the sport. Over the years, the team has hosted some of the sport’s biggest names, including Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, and Kurt Busch, among others.

However, following the 2023 season, Stewart-Haas Racing underwent a major overhaul. Four of its key drivers—Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, Cole Custer, and Chase Briscoe—are all moving on to new teams, marking the end of an era for SHR. This massive reshuffling has left fans wondering what the future holds for both SHR and the four drivers involved. Thankfully, each of these drivers has found new homes for the upcoming 2024 season, ensuring that their careers remain vibrant in NASCAR’s premier series.

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Kevin Harvick’s Move to RCR

One of the most significant and surprising moves for the 2024 season involves Kevin Harvick, who has spent nearly a decade with Stewart-Haas Racing. Harvick, who joined SHR in 2014, had an illustrious career with the team, winning 14 races, including the 2014 Cup Series Championship. His departure after the 2023 season came as a shock to many fans, as Harvick had been one of the sport’s most consistent and successful drivers.

For 2024, Harvick is making a move to Richard Childress Racing (RCR), one of NASCAR’s most storied teams. RCR, known for its long history of success and legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Childress, and Kevin Harvick himself, will welcome Harvick back after a long absence.

This move represents a return to Harvick’s roots. Harvick first entered the Cup Series as a replacement for Earnhardt after his tragic death in 2001. Harvick’s breakthrough came with RCR in 2001, where he won the Rookie of the Year award and immediately showed his potential as a future star. Though Harvick would later leave RCR in 2009, it remains one of the most important chapters in his career. His return to RCR in 2024 promises to reinvigorate the team and put them back in the hunt for championships.

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Aric Almirola’s Transition to JTG Daugherty Racing

Aric Almirola has been with Stewart-Haas Racing since 2018, bringing a level of consistency and maturity to the organization. During his tenure with SHR, Almirola’s best result was a strong finish in the playoffs, but he didn’t manage to secure a Cup Series victory despite consistent performances. As he moves on from SHR after the 2023 season, Almirola’s new destination for 2024 is JTG Daugherty Racing.

JTG Daugherty Racing, while not as prominent as some of the other big teams in NASCAR, has steadily built a competitive program in recent years. With drivers like AJ Allmendinger and Chris Buescher, the team has established itself as a solid contender in the Cup Series. Almirola’s move to JTG Daugherty Racing is a strategic one, as the team provides an opportunity for him to take on a leadership role while also competing in a more balanced environment.

For Almirola, this is a fresh start after years of competing in a high-pressure environment at SHR. The pressure to perform at SHR, with teammates like Harvick and Briscoe, was significant. At JTG Daugherty, he’ll have the chance to work with a smaller, but focused, group of individuals who are eager to take the next step. This transition could be a turning point in Almirola’s career, potentially allowing him to win races and achieve the success that has often eluded him.

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Cole Custer’s Move to Front Row Motorsports

Cole Custer was the last of the four drivers to join Stewart-Haas Racing in 2020. Initially, his role at SHR was to inject some youthful energy into the team, and he showed promise early on. However, after several seasons of inconsistent results and a few frustrating years at SHR, Custer found himself in a situation where a change of scenery became necessary. For 2024, Custer will make the move to Front Row Motorsports, one of the mid-tier organizations in NASCAR.

Front Row Motorsports has long been known for its underdog status, but the team has had some success in recent seasons. With drivers like Michael McDowell, who claimed a victory in 2021, and Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports has been competitive on the intermediate and superspeedway tracks. Bringing Custer into the fold will provide the team with a talented driver who has experience with larger organizations and the technical resources that come with it.

Custer’s move to Front Row Motorsports is a positive one. He will have the opportunity to focus on his development as a driver without the intense pressure of being part of one of NASCAR’s most high-profile teams. This could be the break Custer needs to build a career that will establish him as a regular threat in the Cup Series. The partnership between Custer and Front Row Motorsports has the potential to produce solid results, especially if the team can provide him with the necessary resources and support to compete at a high level.

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Chase Briscoe’s Future at SHR: Remaining in Place

While Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, and Cole Custer have all found new teams, the future of Chase Briscoe lies still at Stewart-Haas Racing for 2024. Briscoe, who joined SHR in 2021, has shown a great deal of potential, regularly competing for wins and earning multiple playoff berths. Despite this success, the next season at SHR will see Briscoe elevated into an even more prominent role within the team.

Having gained experience under the guidance of veterans like Harvick and Almirola, Briscoe is well-positioned to take on a leadership role at SHR. The team will be looking for Briscoe to build on his previous achievements and lead the way in what promises to be a new chapter for Stewart-Haas Racing, with fewer established veterans and a renewed focus on developing young talent. This shift could be crucial for Briscoe’s career, as he strives to compete at a championship level in 2024 and beyond.

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The Impact on Stewart-Haas Racing: A New Era

The departure of four major drivers marks a transition for Stewart-Haas Racing, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to reshape its future. While the organization will miss the leadership and experience brought by Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, and others, the team is now tasked with rebuilding and developing new talent. With Briscoe expected to take on a larger leadership role, SHR will look to continue competing at a high level through a combination of veteran guidance and young, rising stars.

Moving forward, SHR may seek to attract new drivers who bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. The focus will likely shift to maximizing the potential of Briscoe and ensuring the team remains competitive in NASCAR’s ever-evolving landscape.

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Conclusion

As we look ahead to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, the movement of these four drivers—Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, Cole Custer, and Chase Briscoe—represents an exciting chapter in the sport. Harvick’s return to RCR, Almirola’s new role at JTG Daugherty, and Custer’s transition to Front Row Motorsports show that change is an inherent part of NASCAR, as teams and drivers constantly evolve. Briscoe’s continued growth at SHR will also be pivotal as he works to establish himself as a leader within the organization.

For NASCAR fans, these changes will provide new storylines and opportunities for drivers to make their mark. While Stewart-Haas Racing may look different next season, it’s clear that the team’s foundation remains strong, and the new dynamic will bring fresh challenges and excitement. As for the drivers, these new opportunities offer fresh starts and the chance to further cement their places in NASCAR history. The 2024 season promises to be one of change, growth, and reinvention for all involved.