Matt Johnson
NASCAR silly season is fast approaching with plenty of buzz regarding potential changes that could be coming. While drivers finding new Cup Series teams is typically the focus, there reportedly could be a charter on the market.
In a live episode of Door, Bumper, Clear this past week, The Athletic‘s NASCAR reporter Jordan Bianchi said there is a charter up for sale in the Cup Series. There was also an implication that Haas Factory Team could be the one to sell its charter.
Related: RFK Racing Driver Could Lose Chartered Status in 2027
Earlier this month in a preview of NASCAR silly season, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports said that Cole Custer’s future with Haas was uncertain. He’s been one of the worst-performing drivers in the Cup Series this year, sitting 35th in points after finishing 11 of 13 races outside the top 20.
While selling the charter would take Haas out of the Cup Series, it could position the organization for great success in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. A modern charter is worth tens of millions of dollars, which Haas could invest in strengthening its two-car team in the O’Reilly Series.
Related: Insider Reveals Potential Cost of NASCAR Cup Charter
There will absolutely be a market for a full-time charter in 2027 if Haas, or another team, decides to make one available. That’s because RFK Racing’s lease for its third charter is expiring and going to Legacy Motor Club.
With RFK wanting to retain its three-man team of Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, the best path forward is finding a third charter. Otherwise, one of the three would have to run in an open car next season.
Given that Preece and Buescher are both free agents, RFK needs that third charter to guarantee either driver receives a full payout in each points race next season. Without that, other teams could potentially swoop in and offer a higher payout in a chartered car.
