Top NASCAR free agents without a ride for 2025

Smith's developmental deal with Trackhouse Racing was cut short over the summer, but he remains a strong candidate for Front Row Motorsports' third car in 2025. Smith won a Truck Series championship with the team in 2022, and has proved his worth as a Cup Series competitor. Don't be surprised if 2025 brings results in a homecoming for the 25-year-old. 

Ryan Preece 

Current ride: NASCAR Cup Series No. 41, Stewart-Haas Racing
It's true that Preece's middling body of work in the Cup Series hasn't put him high up on any free-agency lists, but he's a solid short-track racer who seldom tears up equipment. 

Preece has been linked to several rides throughout the season — namely an Xfinity Series opportunity with the Haas Factory team before those seats were filled — but recent reports in The Athletic and elsewhere suggest that a third car at RFK Racing could see Preece rejoin forces with a former partner in Kroger. If that were to happen, Preece would have the best opportunity of his Cup Series career. 

Daniel Hemric

Current ride: NASCAR Cup Series No. 31, Kaulig Racing
Hemric's second Cup Series season has done little to impress the masses, and it was confirmed in September that he won't return to Kaulig Racing next season. However, it'd be shocking to see the 2021 Xfinity Series champion be left without a ride for 2025 because, like Preece, he almost always brings home a clean car. 

Hemric may not have a future — at least not a winning one — in the Cup Series, but he's a decent driver who deserves a competitive ride in the Xfinity Series. Don't be surprised if he's tapped for a part-time Xfinity Series opportunity with a top team.