NASCAR’s 2027 season is on the horizon, and the series is buzzing with a blend of veteran stability and fresh talent as teams lock in their driver lineups.
2027 Season Outlook
Alex Bowman will return to Hendrick Motorsports for his final full‑time campaign in 2027, marking the culmination of a career that has seen him claim multiple championships before announcing his retirement at season’s end.
Connor Zilisch, currently under contract with Trackhouse through 2027, has secured a deal that will see him move to Hendrick Motorsports in 2028 to take over Bowman’s seat.
At Legacy Motor Club, John Hunter Nemechek will not return to the No. 42 car in 2027, opening the door for Josh Berry, who is widely regarded as the leading candidate to assume the role, while Riley Herbst and Erik Jones have already been confirmed for the team’s new lineup.
Joe Gibbs Racing has announced a solid core for 2027, confirming Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell, and has identified Brent Crews as a possible Cup‑Series entrant in the following year.
Team Penske will retain both Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric for the 2027 season, reinforcing continuity within the organization.
Hendrick Motorsports will field a strong quartet in 2027 with Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron and Alex Bowman, while Connor Zilisch is slated to replace Bowman in 2028.
Additional movements include Carson Hocevar locking in with Spire Motorsports, while Michael McDowell and Daniel Suárez remain unconfirmed, and Brad Keselowski pledges to race at RFK Racing until his retirement, alongside Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher.
Trackhouse Racing continues to build around Shane Van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch, with the organization focused on keeping either Chastain or Van Gisbergen beyond 2027.
Jesse Love, fresh from success in the O’Reilly Series, will take over the Wood Brothers Racing seat vacated by Josh Berry in 2027.
Austin Hill will remain behind the wheel of the No. 33 at Richard Childress Racing, and Austin Dillon is expected to return to the same organization for the upcoming year.
Kaulig Racing has indicated that Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger are not yet locked in for 2027, though Allmendinger retains the option to continue racing indefinitely.
The evolving roster underscores a season that promises both continuity and surprise, as established drivers prepare for final campaigns while new faces aim to make their mark on the Cup Series.