The 2026 NASCAR silly season received a lot of buzz early on, but it largely proved to be a dud. Outside of a few select changes, top drivers re-signed with their respective teams.
Fans will certainly be hoping that things are different next year. With that in mind, we’re taking an early look at the 2027 NASCAR free agents and predicting where they’ll land.
Chase Briscoe
Chase Briscoe‘s first season with Joe Gibbs Racing was a massive success, as he delivered three wins and made the Championship 4. While he hasn’t been quite as successful in 2026, he has proven more than capable of winning multiple races per season in the No. 19 car. This is the perfect pairing, and we’d expect Briscoe gets a multi-year extension before next summer.
- Prediction: Re-signs with Joe Gibbs Racing on Multi-Year Deal
Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain is arguably one of the 10 best drivers in NASCAR, but he’s been set up to fail by Trackhouse Racing this season. Chastain’s points position (21st) and average finishing position (19.714) are inexcusable for a driver of his caliber, but it’s all largely a reflection on the equipment put out by Trackhouse this year. A change should be coming. While we don’t see Chastain landing a deal with one of the big-four teams, we do think the veteran could replace the underperforming Michael McDowell. Spire would get an upgrade and a better long-term option.
- Prediction: Signs a Multi-Year Deal with Spire Motorsports
Bubba Wallace
There’s a very real chance that by the end of the 2027 NASCAR season, Bubba Wallace is the third-best driver with 23XI Racing. Now, that says a lot more about the talents of Corey Heim and Tyler Reddick, but it highlights the amount of pressure the Tier 3 driver at a top team is under. With that said, Wallace also earned a crown-jewel win (Brickyard 400) in 2025, and he’s shown year-to-year improvement, especially on road courses. Plus, he’s beloved by sponsors. 23XI is Wallace’s best option, and it feels safe to predict his return.
- Prediction: Re-Signs a Two-Year Deal with 23XI Racing
Connor Zilisch
It’s going to be a rough 2027 NASCAR silly season for Trackhouse Racing, but they will only have themselves to blame. While the rookie year results in 2026 have been disastrous for Connor Zilisch, it’s not a reflection on him as a generational talent. There’s a reason why there is widespread reporting that Hendrick Motorsports wants him behind the wheel of the No. 48 car in 2028. This is a match made in heaven, and before long, Zilisch could be challenging Kyle Larson to be Hendrick’s top driver.
- Prediction: Signs Multi-Year Deal with Hendrick Motorsports
Shane van Gisbergen
Trackhouse simply can’t afford to be cleaned out by top NASCAR teams for the 2028 season. It’s pretty evident that Zilisch is leaving, and, given what’s transpired in 2026, Chastain has every reason to find a better opportunity. That creates a point of leverage for Shane van Gisbergen. He could effectively set his asking price, becoming one of the highest-paid drivers in NASCAR. We also tend to believe he might take the risk on a one-year deal, giving Trackhouse one last chance to prove itself while giving himself an out for 2029 if a better opportunity becomes available.
- Prediction: Re-Signs with Trackhouse on One-Year Deal
More must-reads:
