Kyle Larson, the former No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet driver, will pilot Hendrick Motorsports” No. 5 entry, as the car number makes its return to the Cup Series. Cliff Daniels is making the transition from the No. 48 pit box to Larson”s team since his driver, Jimmie Johnson, retired from full-time racing.
Corey LaJoie, the former No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford driver, moves to Spire Motorsports in its No. 7 Chevrolet — and his crew chief from last year, Ryan Sparks, comes with him. Spire is upgrading to a two-car operation for 2021, adding to its No. 77 entry.
Chase Briscoe, who finished fourth in the final 2020 Xfinity Series standings after a nine-win campaign, is moving up into the Cup Series. Briscoe will drive the No. 14 Ford — retired Clint Bowyer”s old ride, and the number Tony Stewart made famous.
Ben Beshore will climb atop two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch”s No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing pit box. Beshore used to be an engineer for the No. 18 team, and then he spent two years as a crew chief in the Xfinity Series for JGR.
Christopher Bell is headed to the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, which Erik Jones used to fill. Adam Stevens will be Bell”s crew chief after six seasons — and two titles — with another JGR driver, Kyle Busch.
Bubba Wallace was picked to be the first driver of the new Michael Jordan-Denny Hamlin team, 23XI Racing, which means he is leaving the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet. Wallace will steer the No. 23 Toyota in its debut season with crew chief Mike Wheeler — Leavine Family Racing”s former competition director — in his ear.
Rudy Fugle will take over Chad Knaus” role as the No. 24 crew chief for driver William Bryon as Knaus transitions into an executive role at Hendrick Motorsports. Fugle and Byron used to work together in the Camping World Truck Series, and Fugle is leaving his truck gig at Kyle Busch Motorsports to reunite with Byron.
Ross Chastain is joining Chip Ganassi Racing full time in its No. 42 Chevrolet and leaving Kaulig Racing”s Xfinity Series team. Kyle Larson piloted the No. 42 entry for four races in 2020 before Matt Kenseth finished out the season.
Erik Jones is switching from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Petty Motorsports, taking over Bubba Wallace”s previous No. 43 Chevrolet. Jones has two Cup Series wins under his belt.
Alex Bowman is remaining at Hendrick Motorsports, but taking over the storied No. 48 Chevrolet that Jimmie Johnson drove to seven championships before retiring from full-time competition. Greg Ives is sticking with Bowman, too, atop the pit box.
BJ McLeod partnered with former driver Matt Tifft to start a full-time Cup Series team, Live Fast Motorsports. McLeod will drive its No. 78 Ford, a number raced by Martin Truex Jr. to the 2017 championship.
Daniel Suarez is set to join his fourth team in as many years, becoming Trackhouse”s first driver as the organization makes its Cup Series debut. Trackhouse is owned by Justin Marks and will field the No. 99 Chevrolet.
