The 2025 NASCAR Cup Collection season is ongoing with one of the best drivers within the sport targeted on competing for this yr’s championship. Nevertheless, NASCAR foolish season is only a few months away and there could possibly be loads of motion with excellent racers eligible to hit the open market.
Let’s dive into the out there NASCAR free brokers after the 2025 Cup Collection season. We’ve included asterisks for drivers whose contract standing is unsure for 2026, with an connected word to every driver.
NASCAR free brokers: William Byron, Kyle Busch lead groupAustin Cindric, No. 2, Crew Penske Racing
Credit score: Jason Allen-Imagn Photos
Austin Cindric signed a multi-year contract with Crew Penske in 2023 and the deal for the No. 2 automotive is predicted to run out after this season. Cindric completed eleventh within the Cup Collection throughout the 2024 season and he’s delivered wins in consecutive seasons. Simply as necessary, Cindric’s common ending place has improved during the last three seasons. He’ll be 27 in September and stands out as an apparent candidate for a brand new contract with Penske.
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Kyle Busch, No. 8, Richard Childress Racing
Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos
Probably the greatest NASCAR drivers of his period, 40-year-old Kyle Busch could possibly be in search of a change of surroundings nearing the tip of his Cup Collection profession. The No. 8 automotive hasn’t gained a Cup race because the Take pleasure in Illinois 300 in 2023, however he nonetheless places himself within the combine for a playoff spot each season regardless of being on a second-tier workforce. A return to RCR is definitely doable, however a two-year drought with no win might simply compel Busch to drive for one more workforce in 2026.
Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing*
Credit score: Randy Sartin-Imagn Photos
Denny Hamlin’s contract standing is extra unsure than a number of the identified high NASCAR free brokers this offseason. Hamlin signed a with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023, but it surely’s unknown simply how lengthy the deal is. Hamlin will likely be 45 in November, however he’s arguably nonetheless one of many 5 greatest NASCAR drivers proper now. If his deal expires after the season, a short-term cope with JGR is probably going. It will depart open the potential for Hamlin ending his profession in a couple of years with 23XI.
A.J. Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing
Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos
A.J. Allmendinger returned as a full-time Cup Collection driver in 2025, reportedly touchdown a short-term cope with Kaulig Racing for the No. 16 automotive. He’s carried out comparatively nicely in 2025, even amid engine blowups, however this very public outburst at Kansas might jeopardize his future with the workforce. If he can’t discover a workforce for 2026, Allmendinger might proceed his roller-coaster profession cycle with a return to the Xfinity Collection.
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Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing*
Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos
As with fellow Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, it’s unsure precisely how for much longer Christopher Bell is below contract for the No. 20 automotive. Earlier than the 2023 season, he signed a ‘long-term deal’ with JGR that may seemingly open the door to him changing into a free agent after the 2025 marketing campaign. Nevertheless, Bell gained three consecutive races this yr and the 30-year-old is a perennial championship menace. There’s zero purpose to imagine, even when he’s on an expiring contract, that JGR gained’t give him a brand new deal this yr.
Bubba Wallace, No. 23, 23XI Racing*
Credit score: Scott Sewell-Imagn Photos
Bubba Wallace can depart 23XI if NASCAR strips the workforce of its constitution
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Very like teammate Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace changing into one of many high NASCAR free brokers after this season means catastrophe has struck for 23XI Racing. Wallace and Reddick have provisions of their contracts that may enable them to go away for one more workforce if NASCAR strips 23XI of their charters if the workforce loses its lawsuit towards the game. So long as 23XI has a constitution, although, Wallace’s improved maturity and a powerful supporting solid for the No. 23 automotive – top-five pit crew and crew chief Charles Denike – make this an ideal match for him.
William Byron, No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports
Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos
William Byron is one of the best NASCAR free agent following the 2025 season. As the motive force for the long-lasting No. 24 automotive, Byron is constantly one of many leaders in top-five finishes, laps led, common ending place and factors yearly. Whereas he hasn’t but signed a brand new contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports, it appears like solely a matter of time earlier than the 2 sides comply with a multi-year deal.
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Tyler Reddick, No. 45, 23XI Racing*
Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos
Tyler Reddick can depart 23XI if NASCAR strips the workforce of its constitution
Tyler Reddick has discovered a house with 23XI, changing into the workforce’s first driver to succeed in the Championship 4 in 2024. He’s been one of many 10 greatest drivers in NASCAR during the last three years, maximizing the gear and assist employees put across the No. 45 automotive. If NASCAR had been to strip 23XI of its charters, Reddick would immediately grow to be one of the in-demand racers forward of his age-30 season.
Carson Hocevar, No. 77, Spire Motorsports*
Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos
Much like Denny Hamlin, Carson Hocevar signed a with no particulars out there on the particular size of the contract. The 2024 NASCAR Cup Collection Rookie of the Yr hasn’t gained his first race on the highest degree but, however he delivered a 2025 Truck Collection victory and is racing nearer to the entrance of the sector extra constantly within the Cup Collection. Hocevar’s aggressive driving model hasn’t made him widespread amongst fellow drivers, however he’s simply 22 years outdated and retains bettering. If his contract expires after the 2025 season, he’ll virtually definitely be prioritized for a multi-year deal by Spire Motorsports.
Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing
Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos
Shane Van Gisbergen acquired a one-year contract for the 2025 season to drive the No. 88 automotive within the Cup Collection for Trackhouse Racing. The 36-year-old was introduced in each for his recognition and his dominance on street programs. He’s been a non-factor in all places else this yr, however that’s additionally a mirrored image on the standard of kit Trackhouse Racing has put out in 2025. Contemplating SVG’s recognition and the truth that his excellence on street programs a minimum of provides Trackhouse a couple of pictures at an computerized playoff bid, one other short-term deal feels very seemingly after the 2025 season.
Daniel Suarez, No. 99, Trackhouse Racing
Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos
Among the many high NASCAR free brokers following the season, Daniel Suárez may be the likeliest to wind up on a brand new workforce subsequent yr. Connor Zilisch appears well-positioned to grow to be a full-time Cup Collection driver in 2026 and Trackhouse Racing would have the No. 99 automotive out there for him. If that occurs, Suarez might discover a dwelling with Kaulig Racing subsequent season as Allmendinger’s potential substitute for the No. 16 automotive.
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