NASCAR: 4 teams left without any drivers for 2023
By Asher Fair
Following Kaulig Racing’s lineup confirmation for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, there are just four teams without any confirmed drivers for next year.
On Kaulig Racing Fan Day, the Matt Kaulig-owned team confirmed their driver lineup for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Justin Haley is set to remain behind the wheel of the #31 Chevrolet next year, and after running three drivers behind the wheel of the #16 Chevrolet, Kaulig Racing have promoted Xfinity Series driver A.J. Allmendinger as its full-time driver for 2023.
Prior to these announcements, Kaulig Racing had been one of five teams with no drivers announced for 2023. Now there are just four teams who fit the bill. Let’s have a look.
Front Row Motorsports
Current lineup
- #34 Ford – Michael McDowell
- #38 Ford – Todd Gilliland
Prediction: No change. Zane Smith was seen as a possibility, but he is reportedly set to drive a third car in select races after signing an extension to remain with Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series. Interestingly, since the team joined the Cup Series in 2004, they have made at least one lineup change every year. Expect that streak to end.
Live Fast Motorsports
Current lineup
- #78 Ford – B.J. McLeod (except road course races and dirt race)
Prediction: No change, provided that Live Fast Motorsports’ charter isn’t the one that went to Richard Childress Racing, with Richard Childress’s team adding a third car to keep Tyler Reddick amid the addition of Kyle Busch.
Rick Ware Racing
Current lineup
- #15 Ford – Multiple drivers, primarily J.J. Yeley
- #51 Ford – Cody Ware
Prediction: No change, but if a Rick Ware Racing charter was the one secured by Richard Childress Racing, expect only the #51 Ford to be run for Cody Ware.
Spire Motorsports
Current lineup
- #7 Chevrolet – Corey LaJoie
- #77 Chevrolet – Multiple drivers, primarily Josh Bilicki
Prediction: Corey LaJoie has never spent more than two seasons with one team, but it’s hard to see the team moving on from him after some of the impressive runs he had this year, specifically in both races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But again, watch the second charter.
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The only seat that is still open outside of these four teams is the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, which is set to be vacated by Kyle Busch. But Ty Gibbs is seen as a shoo-in here, so a confirmation may be nothing more than a mere formality.