NASCAR silly season is expected to be very active as several drivers have contracts up after the 2026 Cup Series campaign. During the 2025 NASCAR silly season process, there wasn’t much movement, as Daniel Suarez was replaced by Connor Zilisch at Trackhouse Racing. Then, Suarez replaced Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports.
This year’s version of “NASCAR free agency” won’t be as clean-cut. Below, we look at the top five drivers who may find themselves in the “hot seat” during the 2026 NASCAR season.
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Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports
Feb 15, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson (4) during the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Noah Gragson drives the No. 4 car for Front Row Motorsports, but Layne Riggs might be knocking on the door. Riggs drives for the organization in the NASCAR Truck Series and could be ready for a promotion by the end of the 2026 season. If so, Gragson could be out of a ride, but he can earn one by outrunning his teammates at Front Row Motorsports.
Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing
Nov 2, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Riley Herbst (35) during the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Riley Herbst drives the No. 35 car for 23XI Racing, and his situation is well documented. Corey Heim, who won double-digit races and the 2025 Truck Series championship, is ready for the Cup Series. 23XI Racing wants the 23-year-old driver in the Cup Series long-term, but there is no room. If Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick stay, Herbst might be out of luck.
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Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing
Mar 22, 2026; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Richard Childress Racing Kyle Busch (8) comes out for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Kyle Busch is the biggest name in the NASCAR silly season process. Busch drives the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing, but the performances have been poor to start the 2026 NASCAR season. The two-time Cup Series champion would love to be in better equipment, but has he earned it with his results? Richard Childress Racing would “love” to promote Jesse Love at some point.
Austin Cindric, Team Penske
Mar 22, 2026; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Team Penske Austin Cindric (2) comes out for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Austin Cindric is the only current Team Penske driver who hasn’t won a Cup Series championship. In fact, Cindric and the No. 2 team haven’t won many races since he was promoted to the Cup Series. This might be a make-or-break year for the driver of the No. 2 car. If Cindric doesn’t have consistent success like Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, Team Penske could look for a replacement.
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Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports
Feb 15, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) during the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports will be the biggest storyline of NASCAR silly season. Bowman is in a contract year and will likely miss the Chase following his battle with vertigo. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is used to being in the rumor mill, but this might be the time when it comes true. Bowman is returning to the No. 48 car at Bristol Motor Speedway, and he needs to impress over the next few months.
More: NASCAR makes big changes to Cup Series race at Talladega in April 2026
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: 5 NASCAR drivers on the ‘Hot Seat’ during 2026 Cup Series season
