Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has put an end to speculation about his NASCAR future by confirming he will remain with HYAK Motorsports through the 2026 season. The driver, who pilots the No. 47 car, dispelled rumors of a potential move to Spire Motorsports after the current year despite challenges in meeting expectations this season.
There had been chatter about Stenhouse Jr. possibly joining Spire Motorsports as a replacement for Justin Haley in 2026, but the driver clarified that he has no plans to leave HYAK Motorsports anytime soon. His decision reflects a contract extension he signed last year, solidifying his place with the team.
“We redid my contract last year with HYAK motor sports, and you know, so I’m here through 26, and unless they tell me otherwise or unless we redo another one and stay there for longer. I got a great group of guys who work hard, and we all want the same thing. So I’ll be at the 47, you know, the rest of this year and the off-season and going into 26,” Ricky Stenhouse Jr. said via SiriusXM NASCAR radio.
This season has been difficult for Stenhouse Jr., as he failed to qualify for the NASCAR playoffs. His most recent race at Darlington Raceway ended with a 30th-place finish, placing him 29th overall in the Cup Series standings with 443 points. Despite these setbacks, he plans to compete in the upcoming race in Illinois, aiming to finish the season strongly.
Stenhouse Jr. Reflects on the Unique Demands of a NASCAR Driver’s Schedule
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. recently spoke about the demanding and unpredictable routines that NASCAR drivers face, setting them apart from other athletes. The weekly commitments involve a complex mix of sponsor appearances, track events, family engagements, and unforeseen activities, creating a schedule that constantly changes.
Discussing life as a driver during a podcast appearance, Stenhouse Jr. highlighted how difficult it is to maintain a consistent routine in his sport.
“We got sponsors that we got to do stuff for. We do things for the track. And so, like your schedule’s never the same. And so our sport is unique, where when a lot of athletes come in, they can’t believe that we go from doing all of this stuff to all of a sudden you do the prayer, the national anthem, turn around, shake hands with your team guys, jump in the car, and go,” Ricky Stenhouse Jr. said via Nashville Game Changers.
Unlike athletes in many other sports who have time to mentally and physically prepare for competition, NASCAR drivers must switch gears almost instantly. Stenhouse Jr. emphasized how this instant transition is a defining characteristic of NASCAR, presenting a steep learning curve for younger drivers breaking into the Cup Series.
