Stewart-Haas Racing has been a part of the news cycle for the entire 2023 NASCAR season and it keeps cruising forward. Last week, Chase Briscoe and the No. 14 team were given one of the biggest penalties in NASCAR history for counterfeiting a NextGen part.
It simply represents Stewart-Haas Racing’s season to this point. After Kevin Harvick, the next driver for the organization in the point standings is Aric Almirola, who sits in 25th place. Well, both drivers are expected to leave Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the season.
According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, Almirola is widely expected to retire from the NASCAR Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2023 season barring another change of heart. Therefore, the organization needs to hire a successful driver in Almirola’s place.
Related: Aric Almirola expected to retire from NASCAR at the end of 2023
Stewart-Haas Racing connected to several NASCAR drivers, heavily linked to Daytona 500 champion
The idea of replacing two veterans is going to be a hard one for Stewart-Haas Racing. The organization has been struggling and overall, there is not much going right outside of Harvick and the No. 4 team.
As of now, the 47-year-old driver has flashed consistency as he sits third in the point standings behind Ryan Blaney and William Byron. The rest of the organization has struggled so Harvick’s departure is a worst-case scenario.
In Harvick’s place, Stewart-Haas Racing is planning to sign Josh Berry to a full-time deal. Berry is a driver for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and has done well in his replacement starts for Hendrick Motorsports.
Nevertheless, the Tennessee native is not an A-level driver. Once Berry signs the dotted line, he would join Chase Briscoe as the two drivers under contract for Stewart-Haas Racing beyond the 2023 season.
Ryan Preece could return to the No. 41 car but he hasn’t shown much promise outside of a few races to this point. So, who has been connected to Stewart-Haas Racing as Almirola is expected to step away from the NASCAR Cup Series?
According to Bianchi, Zane Smith and Michael McDowell are two big names to watch for Stewart-Haas Racing moving forward. In fact, if Smith stays with Front Row Motorsports, McDowell would be a top candidate for the No. 10 car.
Bianchi says that many people within the NASCAR garage area believe McDowell would be a consistent winner in the Cup Series if joined a team with deeper resources. This says a lot about the 2021 Daytona 500 champion.
It will be easier for Stewart-Haas Racing to sign McDowell than Smith. This is because the defending NASCAR Truck Series champion has a multi-year contract with Front Row Motorsports while McDowell is set to become a free agent.
Would this finally be McDowell’s big break or is he better off staying with Front Row Motorsports? It may not be his decision but Stewart-Haas Racing’s struggles certainly make it a topic of conversation for the time being.
McDowell would be a sneaky good signing and give the organization a lineup that pairs him with Berry, Briscoe, and possibly Preece if he returns to the No. 41 car. It is not the strongest on paper but could represent a solid start to the rebuild.
If the Arizona native and Smith don’t find themselves in the No. 10 car next season, who else would be a good option? Continue reading to find out three bold candidates to replace Almirola at Stewart-Haas Racing next year!
Related: Tony Stewart addresses his involvement with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2023
3 bold candidates to replace Aric Almirola at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024
Stewart-Haas Racing has a lot on the table as the organization plans for the 2024 NASCAR season. With at least two rides seemingly locked in now, this leaves two open seats available for drivers looking to make a jump to better equipment or the NASCAR Cup Series in general.
Harrison Burton currently drives the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing in the Cup Series and runs under the Ford banner. Burton, 22, has appeared to take a step back compared to his rookie season but his performances are starting to improve.
The 22-year-old driver would be a good fit for Stewart-Haas Racing if it is looking to become younger but it might take time for him to develop. Burton may not have the desired results but he has shown promise on some occasions.
Corey LaJoie drives the No. 7 car for Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series and has steadily improved over the years. LaJoie, 31, finally got an amazing opportunity as Hendrick Motorsports used him as a substitute driver after Chase Elliott’s suspension for a right rear hook on Denny Hamlin.
The 31-year-old driver didn’t impress but the overall work throughout the 2023 season is present. LaJoie would be another solid option but would he be better off staying with the improving Spire Motorsports instead?
Finally, Riley Herbst would be another young option for Stewart-Haas Racing. Herbst, 24, has been struggling after a strong start to the 2023 season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series but his sponsorship is a major factor in this situation.
The 24-year-old driver carries Monster Energy and could be a great addition if the organization loses both Busch Light and Smithfield Foods. Herbst may not stand out but it wouldn’t be surprising if the team needs help with sponsorship.
It is clear that Stewart-Haas Racing will have several options for the 2024 season. The progression of NASCAR silly season will depend on what the organization decides as it appears to be the top option available right now.