NASCAR foolish season is anticipated to be very energetic as a number of drivers have contracts up after the 2026 Cup Sequence marketing campaign. Throughout the 2025 NASCAR foolish season course of, there wasn’t a lot motion, as Daniel Suarez was changed by Connor Zilisch at Trackhouse Racing. Then, Suarez changed Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports.
This 12 months’s model of “NASCAR free company” will not be as clean-cut. Beneath, we have a look at the highest 5 drivers who could discover themselves within the “sizzling seat” throughout the 2026 NASCAR season.
Commercial
Noah Gragson, Entrance Row Motorsports
Feb 15, 2026; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Noah Gragson (4) throughout the 68th working of the Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures
Noah Gragson drives the No. 4 automotive for Entrance Row Motorsports, however Layne Riggs is likely to be knocking on the door. Riggs drives for the group within the NASCAR Truck Sequence and could possibly be prepared for a promotion by the top of the 2026 season. In that case, Gragson could possibly be out of a journey, however he can earn one by outrunning his teammates at Entrance Row Motorsports.
Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing
Nov 2, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Riley Herbst (35) throughout the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures
Riley Herbst drives the No. 35 automotive for 23XI Racing, and his state of affairs is properly documented. Corey Heim, who received double-digit races and the 2025 Truck Sequence championship, is prepared for the Cup Sequence. 23XI Racing needs the 23-year-old driver within the Cup Sequence long-term, however there is no such thing as a room. If Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick keep, Herbst is likely to be out of luck.
Commercial
Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing
Mar 22, 2026; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Richard Childress Racing Kyle Busch (8) comes out for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Scott Kinser-Imagn Pictures
Kyle Busch is the most important title within the NASCAR foolish season course of. Busch drives the No. 8 automotive for Richard Childress Racing, however the performances have been poor to begin the 2026 NASCAR season. The 2-time Cup Sequence champion would like to be in higher tools, however has he earned it along with his outcomes? Richard Childress Racing would “love” to advertise Jesse Love sooner or later.
Austin Cindric, Group Penske
Mar 22, 2026; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Group Penske Austin Cindric (2) comes out for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Scott Kinser-Imagn Pictures
Austin Cindric is the one present Group Penske driver who hasn’t received a Cup Sequence championship. In reality, Cindric and the No. 2 workforce have not received many races since he was promoted to the Cup Sequence. This is likely to be a make-or-break 12 months for the motive force of the No. 2 automotive. If Cindric does not have constant success like Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, Group Penske may search for a alternative.
Commercial
Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports
Feb 15, 2026; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Alex Bowman (48) throughout the 68th working of the Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures
Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports would be the greatest storyline of NASCAR foolish season. Bowman is in a contract 12 months and can probably miss the Chase following his battle with vertigo. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is used to being within the rumor mill, however this is likely to be the time when it comes true. Bowman is returning to the No. 48 automotive at Bristol Motor Speedway, and he must impress over the subsequent few months.
Extra:
