Noah Gragson joined Stewart Haas Racing in the 2024 season, taking over Aric Almirola’s spot. The team, owned by former NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart, has been experiencing a significant performance decline. They have not won a high-level race since 2022 and have not been competitive contenders. Although there have been some signs of improvement in recent months, it is still far from what it should be.
One of the main challenges they are facing is the possibility of downsizing their operations. Their partnership agreement with Ford is set to end this season and has not been renewed yet. There are reports suggesting that Tony Stewart is considering reducing the team to a two-car operation.
According to Fox Sports, if the team chooses to go down this path, the drivers who will remain are [drivers’ names]. This means that [other drivers’ names] will lose their spots and will need to find new teams for the 2025 season. However, Briscoe’s place is secured due to his strong sponsorship deal and consistent performance for the team.
Choosing between Berry and Gragson is a tough decision as they have been performing at a similar level, with the latter having slightly better results. However, when considering sponsorship opportunities, it may be challenging for the driver of the No. 10 Ford to meet the team’s expectations. Preece’s departure, regardless of the downsizing plan, is confirmed as he has not delivered strong performances since his return to the Cup series in 2023.
Another driver who has been struggling in the Cup series in recent seasons is [Wood Brothers Racing driver]. According to reports from Fox Sports, it appears that he may not have a place in the 2025 season.
If Noah Gragson is released from SHR, he could potentially compete with Harrison Burton for a new spot. While Gragson may face challenges in securing significant sponsorships, he could still attract personal sponsorships that would support smaller teams, making him a viable option. Therefore, for Ryan Preece and Burton, it seems like the end of the road has come, at least for the 2025 season.
