NASCAR's silly season is quiet so far ... but it's only June

BROOKLYN, Mich. — The free agency market in NASCAR seems quiet, with a couple of big names already off the board and many more expected to stay put.

Michael Jordan of 23XI Racing looks on during the running of the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 

But with the uncertainty at 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, it could (but not definitely) change drastically if those organizations find themselves without charters amid their litigation with NASCAR.

23XI and Front Row each have three drivers and those drivers appear likely to remain with their organizations next year, as long as they remain three-car operations with guaranteed spots in the field. If the teams eventually have to race as open (with non-guaranteed spots in the field) following an appeals court ruling last week and don’t have charters in 2026, theoretically they could see their drivers jump to other teams in the offseason.

For now, the drivers would likely remain with their organizations: Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and Riley Herbst at 23XI; Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith and Noah Gragson at Front Row.

At 23XI, Reddick is the team leader (he won the regular-season title last year). Wallace signed a multiyear deal near the end of last year and sits 10th in the standings and appears happy there. 

Bubba Wallace looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 

Denny Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing, said the issue of drivers leaving is not one he has sweated.

"I’ve got so much to worry about, I’m not focused on that particularly right this second," Hamlin said.

Hamlin himself isn’t signed yet with Joe Gibbs Racing but is expected to ink another deal to remain with the organization.

If Hamlin signs with JGR as expected, JGR would be set