NASCAR team could have name changed before 2023 season

Due to the addition of a new team owner, one NASCAR Cup Series organization could undergo a name change in the near future.

Before the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, Roush Fenway Racing, which was once known simply as Roush Racing, underwent another name change when former Team Penske driver Brad Keselowski joined the team as not only the new driver of the No. 6 Ford but as a co-owner of the organization.

With Keselowski joining the team in an ownership capacity, the team rebranded as RFK Racing, and they are set for their second season with that name in 2023.

Another team that changed their name last year was a team formed by a partnership between two teams: Richard Petty Motorsports and GMS Racing.

Both teams had planned on running one full-time entry in 2022, so they decided to combine and form a two-car team that would become known as Petty GMS Motorsports.

Could Petty GMS Motorsports be set for a second consecutive name change?

Just before the 2022 season ended, Petty GMS Motorsports announced the addition of former Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson to their driver lineup for 2023. It was also announced that Johnson, who initially retired from Cup Series competition at the end of the 2020 season, would become a part owner of the organization.

While no name change has been announced, that could change in the near future, just as majority owner Maury Gallagher stated when it was confirmed that the seven-time champion would be joining the team in 2023.

Interestingly, Petty GMS Motorsports hinted at an upcoming announcement earlier this week, encouraging fans to “save the date” for this Wednesday, January 11.

Many have speculated that this announcement will have to do with Johnson’s car number, as that hasn’t yet been announced. In fact, not much about Johnson’s return has been announced, other than the fact that he is set to make his debut with the team in the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway next month.

Johnson spent the last two seasons competing for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar. In 2021, he competed in only the road and street course races, and in 2022, he competed full-time.