The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series offseason is bringing monumental changes for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and his team. Following the departure of key sponsor Kroger to RFK Racing, JTG Daugherty Racing is rebranding as HYAK Motorsports for the 2025 season. Despite the challenges, Stenhouse Jr. remains optimistic about the team’s future and focused on regaining their competitive edge.
A new chapter for Stenhouse and HYAK Motorsports
The rebrand marks a significant shift for the organization, but Stenhouse Jr. sees it as an opportunity for growth. Speaking about the transition, the 2023 Daytona 500 winner emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining continuity while strengthening key areas.
“Obviously, we have a big shift in the organization,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “You can look at it a couple different ways, but we’re seeing it as an opportunity. Everything’s a little more consolidated, and we’ve kept the same great employees, the same crew guys, and our processes will stay the same.”
Stenhouse Jr. highlighted the addition of strong new team members as a crucial step in bolstering their performance for the upcoming season. The two-time Xfinity Series champion expressed confidence in his team’s ability to build faster cars and improve their on-track results.
Aiming to recapture 2023 success
Reflecting on the team’s high points, Stenhouse Jr. identified the 2023 season—highlighted by his Daytona 500 win and playoff qualification—as the benchmark for their performance goals. He admitted that the 2024 season fell short of expectations and emphasized the team’s determination to return to form under the HYAK Motorsports banner.
“All our eyes at HYAK Motorsports are definitely looking forward and trying to get our performance back to the level we reached in 2023,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “Starting with a win at the Daytona 500 was huge, but we also averaged a 14th-place finish throughout most of the regular season. That’s something we want to get back to and improve upon.”
Rebuilding confidence after Kroger’s departure
Losing a long-time primary sponsor like Kroger is a challenge for any team, but Stenhouse Jr. believes that HYAK Motorsports can turn adversity into motivation. He remains steadfast in his determination to achieve results that could make Kroger regret their departure.
“It would be really special to deliver a strong performance in our first year as HYAK Motorsports,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “Our goal is to find the consistency we had in 2023 and show that we’re capable of competing at the highest level.”
What lies ahead for HYAK Motorsports?
As the team enters its rebranded era, the focus will be on developing competitive cars, fostering consistency, and proving that they can thrive despite the challenges. For Stenhouse Jr., the 2025 season is an opportunity to redefine expectations and build a legacy for HYAK Motorsports.
With new leadership, fresh energy, and a determined mindset, the upcoming season holds promise for the rebranded team. All eyes will be on Stenhouse Jr. to see if he can recapture his playoff-making form and lead HYAK Motorsports into a new era of success.
