NASCAR Cup Series history features several unexpected driver and team breakups that reshaped the sport, highlighted by Brad Keselowski exiting RFK Racing at the end of the year. Keselowski’s upcoming departure from the organization he co-owns marks another startling transition in a career that previously saw him leave a 12-year stint at Team Penske to join Roush after the 2021 season, according to Motorsport.com.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Departs Dale Earnhardt Inc.
For eight seasons, Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove the iconic red Budweiser No. 8 car after making his Cup debut in 1999, securing 17 of his 26 career Cup wins with the team his father built. Motorsport.com notes that relationships eventually soured between key individuals, including Dale Jr. and his stepmother and majority owner Teresa Earnhardt. When Teresa Earnhardt refused his request for an ownership stake, Dale Jr. left DEI at the end of the 2007 season to drive for Hendrick Motorsports for the remainder of his career.
Kyle Busch Splits From Joe Gibbs Racing After Fifteen Seasons
Kyle Busch spent 15 seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 through 2022, capturing 54 of his 63 career Cup victories and his two Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019 in the No. 18 Toyota. As reported by Motorsport.com, contract negotiations broke down after primary sponsor M&M’s announced they would not return. Busch subsequently departed JGR, where Ty Gibbs replaced him with the car number changing to 54, and moved to Richard Childress Racing.
Kevin Harvick Leaves Richard Childress Racing for Stewart-Haas Racing
Kevin Harvick took over the newly designated white No. 29 car at Richard Childress Racing following Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, winning at Atlanta in just his third start. Harvick earned 23 of his 60 career Cup wins across 13 seasons with RCR before seeking a new opportunity with Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014. According to Motorsport.com, his announcement prompted a fiery exit during which Harvick criticized incoming young drivers.
Tony Stewart Exits Joe Gibbs Racing to Form His Own Team
Tony Stewart spent ten seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing starting in 1999, winning Cup championships in 2002 and 2005 and taking 33 of his 49 career wins with the organization. Motorsport.com reports that despite his long tenure, Stewart left JGR after the 2008 season to pursue team ownership by absorbing Gene Haas’s existing racing operation.
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