Kaulig Racing has an opening for its No. 31 car after the shocking news of Justin Haley signing with Rick Ware Racing as a full-time driver for the 2024 NASCAR season. It was certainly unexpected as Haley and the organization wanted to stay together into the future.
Now, Kaulig Racing is faced with the task of replacing the driver of the No. 31 car with three standout candidates coming to mind.
Kaulig Racing elevates Chandler Smith to the NASCAR Cup Series
Chandler Smith currently drives the No. 16 car for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series so this move wouldn’t be surprising at all. Smith, 21, has one win, five top-5 finishes, eight top-10 finishes, and a 13.0 average finish in his rookie Xfinity Series campaign.
The 21-year-old driver has been impressive and currently sits fifth in the point standings. While there would be other drivers that are completely ready for the NASCAR Cup Series, Smith would be a great option if the organization is looking to jumpstart his development at the top level.
There is a case to be made that he is not ready for the Cup Series; however, the driver of the No. 16 car is higher in the point standings than Josh Berry, who is going to replace Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 car at Stewart-Haas Racing next season.
Smith’s talent is undeniable and the Cup Series will be a part of his life in the near future. He has already competed in an official race with Kaulig Racing in the division as he beat both Haley and A.J. Allmendinger for a 17th-place finish at Richmond Raceway.
There will be plenty of debate on whether Smith is ready for the Cup Series but it never hurts to bring up a great young talent. Kaulig Racing has one of the best prospects in NASCAR and it is truly a good situation for both parties.
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Austin Hill joins Kaulig Racing after a strong NASCAR Xfinity Series season
Austin Hill has made a name for himself since joining Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and it appears an advancement to the top level is coming sooner rather than later. Hill, 29, has been one of the best drivers in the Xfinity Series during the 2023 season.
The 29-year-old driver has four victories at Daytona, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Pocono as he sits second in the point standings behind Joe Gibbs Racing driver John Hunter Nemechek. Needless to say, it has been a great season to this point.
Hill also has 11 top-5 finishes, 15 top-10 finishes, and a 7.7 average finishing position through 19 races this year. Where does Kaulig Racing play into this scenario? There is one report that has linked Hill to the NASCAR organization.
According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Hill has been the name “most associated” as a possibility for Kaulig Racing over the last few months. The organization is seeking sponsorship and while Smith would be the logical option, it opens the door for other drivers.
Hill would be a very solid pickup for Kaulig Racing and one that would be able to replicate Haley’s success in the No. 31 car. This feels like the most realistic option as it would not be shocking to see the Richard Childress Racing driver make the jump.
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Kaulig Racing lands Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen for the 2024 season
Shane van Gisbergen has gone down in NASCAR history books after his achievement at the Chicago Street Course in July 2023. Gisbergen, 34, drove the No. 91 car for Trackhouse Racing to victory lane in his NASCAR debut.
The 34-year-old driver shocked the racing world and that has made him a popular name in the NASCAR community. In fact, Gisbergen will return to the NASCAR Cup Series for the race at the Indianapolis Road Course in August.
Trackhouse Racing will field an entry for Gisbergen again; however, will that trend continue for his future in racing? The New Zealand-born driver might move to America to run pursue a full-time opportunity in NASCAR soon and his Supercars team would not stand in his way.
If Gisbergen wants to stay in the Chevrolet camp, Kaulig Racing should be knocking on the door. It would be an incredibly popular pickup as he would become an instant playoff contender. Plus, imagine a road course effort lead by Allmendinger and Gisbergen.
This would be the best-case scenario for Kaulig Racing but all of these drivers would be worthy candidates for the No. 31 car. It will be interesting to see who drives the open entry as the NASCAR organization looks for Haley’s replacement.