(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)
It's the hardest part of motorsport when someone loses their vehicle just for money. That happensBrett Moffitt, who would drive the entire season of the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the #02 Chevrolet for Our Motorsports. However, Moffitt was replaced due to lack of funds.
He is an interesting figure in motorsport. He is extremely talented, winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship in the 2018 season while driving for Hattori Racing Enterprises and has 12 truck series wins, which is more than many drivers currently in the Cup Series.
Still, Moffitt did some things that put him out of favor with some in the garage. That led us to the question: Does Brett Moffitt deserve another shot at NASCAR? Debate between Mark Kristl and Stephen Stumpf.
Brett Moffitt still has value
With three months left in this NASCAR season, Brett Moffitt should spend them wisely. He is currently unemployed. Rather than simply looking for seating times at various NASCAR events, Moffitt would be better prepared to find decent audition opportunities for next year. Yes, Moffitt should be considered for a full-time NASCAR drive, particularly in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
When Moffitt switched his points eligibility from Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series to Our Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last year, it seemed like a wise move. Moffitt and Niece struggled, only achieving one top-10 together as rookiesCarson Hocévarburst onto the trucking scene. Boosting the climber Our on Xfinity, Moffitt finished second in the season opener and racked up four top-10 finishes. It was the best decision for everyone involved.
However, Moffitt's initial success driving the No. 02 faded as he never finished in the top five for the remainder of the season and had only six other top-10 finishes in the other 23 races. That year, his return seemed to bode well for the organization, but just four top-10 finishes and a lack of sponsorship money cost Moffitt his trip. What a fall after triumphantly winning the Truck Series championship trophy in 2018.
Moffitt still has value in the garage. He is days away from turning 30, so he should have years left in his NASCAR career. Additionally, Moffitt has competed in all three NASCAR series with a combined 219 starts. He knows the circuits, he knows the competition and he knows how to fight for victories.
No, Moffitt is not eligible to drive in the NASCAR Cup Series. His performance at Xfinity probably won't get him many offers either, and certainly not in the top 10. When a team like Bassett Racing approaches Moffitt with an offer even though it would give him a paycheck, it's probably not what Moffitt wants. or need to reinvigorate his NASCAR career.
The Truck Series garage is Moffitt's best opportunity. He's a former champion, so improvising him is an advantage, especially for teams struggling to rack up ownership points. Moffitt also has 12 wins, the 15th most in series history. From a marketing perspective, having a past champion and notable winner driving a truck could help a team become a sponsor.
Because that's what Moffitt lacks: sponsorship. Moffitt needs a sponsored team. So what teams would be viable options for him?
The first option would be AM Racing. The team already has sponsors, but is still looking for the right driver. main driveraustin wayne himselfopted to skip a few races, the team fielded a part-time second inning and recently foundin a race preview, "AM Racing is building its future and will soon make announcements about its path for the remainder of the 2022 and 2023 NASCAR seasons."
Additionally, Moffitt already has a relationship with the team and is umpiring both events at Knoxville Raceway, though he ended up with two DNFs due to crashes. Still, Moffitt knows the team. The team also showed this year that he has a solid team. Self himself had two top-10 finishes in the first three races this season and is a newcomer.Max Gutierrezhe finished eighth in his second career truck start.
If AM Racing wants to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive Truck Series field, it must improve its driver. Self's two top-fives and 15 top-10s in 142 truck starts proved he wasn't the best contender.
Sure, Moffitt hasn't been in the top five in trucks since the 2020 season. But consider this fact: In three full-time truck seasons, Moffitt has placed first, third and third in points. He led at least one round for six consecutive years. In three of his last 10 truck starts, he's started 15th or better. All of these stats are an improvement over Self's numbers.
Moffitt's end at GMS Racing was not pretty. But his desire to win the championship and fight for victories was admirable. Given the right opportunity, Moffitt could once again help an organization improve. Moffitt would add value to the midsize Truck Series teams, and AM Racing would be a good fit for him.– Markus Kristl
Brett Moffitt a reminder that it takes more than talent
Does Moffitt have the talent to be in NASCAR? Absolutely. He proved it during his time in the Truck Series.
But their current situation is not entirely due to a lack of patronage.
From 2018 to 2020, Moffitt was a fixture in the Truck Series. He won the 2018 championship with Hattori Racing Enterprises and earned the most points of any driver with GMS Racing in both 2019 and 2020.
But all of that came to a halt at the 2020 finals at Phoenix Raceway. Moffitt dominated and came within just three rounds of his second title before being bookedcrowded dawson. Moffitt's team opted out and lost the championship after being swallowed by trucks on new tires while restarting.
Moffitt didn't hold back in criticizing the team after the race.
At the start of the race, it was not known what plans the Moffitt Truck Series had for 2021. Sponsorship was thin at times, as Moffitt's truck was completely empty at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2020.
But it wasn't long before Moffitt and GMS moved on, as it was revealed that he wouldn't be returning for 2021 just a week after Phoenix.
The fact that GMS parted ways with Moffitt almost immediately after Phoenix shows that his comments after the race and at the finish had some influence. If the breakup was solely due to endorsements, it wouldn't have happened so suddenly. Moffitt and GMS likely would have tried to reinstate him for the 2021 season if that was the case, given his previous success. Additionally, Moffitt had driven the majority of Xfinity races with Our Motorsports in 2020 and re-signed with Our in 2021 almost immediately after parting ways with GMS. If sponsorship was a problem running a full-time season for GMS in 2021, at least he had another boost to fall back on.
After leaving GMS, Moffitt was no longer on an elite ride capable of fighting for wins. He briefly drove for Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series in 2021 before leaving after six races; In two and a half seasons with Our Motorsports on Xfinity, he was occasionally able to challenge for the top 10 before taking a break this week.
The best way to get sponsors is to put them on the winning path, and winning ended when Moffitt left GMS.
If caution doesn't arise in Phoenix, Moffitt would be a two-time champion and for all we know he could still be racing with the team today. He, too, may be eligible for the available No. 42 Cup trip in 2023, but the broken relationship with GMS certainly seems to have affected that.
If it were all about talent, several teams would love to have him as a driver. But Moffitt had time to drive for one of the best teams in the truck garage, and he met a sudden and shocking end after a bitter loss. And once a rider is off an elite ride, it's hard to find another. Moffitt certainly has the on-track talent to thrive in NASCAR, but it will be some time before he climbs the NASCAR ladder after the rocky end to his tenure at GMS.– Stefan Stump
About the Author
stephen stump
Stephen Stumpf joined Frontstretch in September 2021 and currently writes the weekly columns4 burning questionsYstatistics sheet. He also contributes to the home stretch with social media, editing and rotating comments, and serves as an occasional reporter on the site. A native of Texas, Stephen began following NASCAR at the age of 9.
Follow @stephen_stump on Twitter.
marcus kristl
website
Mark Kristl came to Frontstretch at the start of the 2019 NASCAR season. He is the editor of the site's ARCA Menards Series. Kristl is also an Eagle Scout and is a proud graduate of the University of Dayton.
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FAQs
Why is Brett Moffitt not racing? ›
It's the toughest side of motorsports when someone loses their ride strictly over money. That's what happened to Brett Moffitt, who was schedule to race the full NASCAR Xfinity Series season in the No. 02 Our Motorsports Chevrolet. However, Moffitt has been replaced due to lack of funding.
Is Brett Moffitt still racing? ›Former NASCAR Truck Series champion Brett Moffitt will drive for AM Racing in the Xfinity Series in 2023. Moffitt will drive the team's No. 25 Mustangs as AM switches from Chevrolets to Fords and adds a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing and the Ford Performance program.
Where is Brett Moffitt from? ›Moffitt was born August 7, 1992 in Grimes, Iowa.
Is Brett Moffitt related to Richard Petty? ›In 2019, Moffitt traveled to England to run a 1981 edition of grandfather Richard Petty's racecar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Despite sharing the same last name, he is not related to fellow NASCAR competitor Brett Moffitt.
What NASCAR driver does a backflip when he wins? ›He won the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series championship and nearly won the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title, but lost by a tiebreaker to Tony Stewart. Edwards is well known for doing a backflip off his car to celebrate his victories. Columbia, Missouri, U.S.
Who owns the majority of 23XI Racing? ›It is owned and operated by Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan, with current Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin as a minority partner. The organization fields the No. 23, 45 and 67 Toyota teams for drivers Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Travis Pastrana. They currently have a technical alliance with JGR.
Who owns the SRX racing series? ›Nicknamed Smoke, Tony Stewart is an American professional stock car racing driver and current NASCAR team owner. He is a 4 time NASCAR Cup Series Champion – 3 times as a driver and one as an owner.
Who is the announcer for SRX racing? ›Allen Bestwick returned as the play-by-play announcer, Lindsay Czarniak returned as the host, and Matt Yocum returned as a pit reporter. After competing in the series as a driver in 2021, Willy T.
Is Parker Kligerman still racing? ›...
| Parker Kligerman | |
|---|---|
| First race | 2010 WinStar World Casino 350K (Texas) |
| Last race | 2023 NextEra Energy 250 (Daytona) |
Is Moffitt Richard Petty's grandson? ›
Thad Moffitt, grandson of NASCAR racing great Richard Petty, is taking his driving talents to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli in 2023. Moffitt, 22, was announced on Thursday at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show as driver of the Safety-Kleen Chevrolet Carmaro for TeamSLR next season.
Who drives the 45 Xfinity car? ›Stefan Charles Parsons (born June 15, 1998) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the Nos. 43 and 45 Chevrolet Camaros for Alpha Prime Racing.
Who owns Petty motorsports now? ›The team kept that name through multiple iterations before Maury Gallagher's GMS Racing became the majority owner of the team ahead of the 2022 season.
Who owns the number 43 truck? ›Thad Moffitt, grandson of seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty, will make his Camping World Truck Series debut next week at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 43 truck for Moffitt will be sponsored by STP, the longtime sponsor of Petty.
What disease does Richard Petty have? ›He wants to be around the people.” Petty's health is good considering his age and the gauntlet he pushed his body through over the racing years. He has broken his neck twice, broken most of the bones in his body, lost 40 percent of his stomach to ulcers and overcame prostate cancer.
What NASCAR driver had a cigarette lighter in his car? ›Midwest short-track legend Dick Trickle came to race NASCAR full-time in the late-'80s and brought a bad habit with him. His race cars included a cigarette lighter alongside the cockpit and he'd light up during caution laps.
What is the steepest turn in NASCAR? ›1. Talladega Superspeedway. Talladega Superspeedway is one of the most recognizable tracks on the 2022 calendar due to its fast nature and the cult classic movie, Talladega Nights. The track itself is the crown jewel of NASCAR and it sports a maximum banking of 33°.
How much does a rear tire changer make in NASCAR? ›Tire Changers and Carriers
What is this? The front and rear tire changers and tire carriers are all compensated the same for their work on a car. Each member of the tire changing team makes $1,500 per race in base salary or $80,000 at the end of the year. They can get up to an additional $300 for winning.
...
Matt Tifft.
| Wins | Top tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 38 | 2 |
Ohio native Matt Tifft becomes NASCAR's youngest owner with Cup Series team in 2021. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Thirteen months after a mysterious medical incident sidelined him from driving, Ohio native NASCAR driver Matt Tifft is now NASCAR's newest – and youngest – team owner.
Are there any black NASCAR owners? ›
There have only been five Black team owners and a handful of Black drivers in the 74-year history of NASCAR. However, John Cohen, the principal owner of the NY Racing Team, is looking to shift gears and transform the sport into an all-inclusive entity.
How much do SRX winners get? ›The final “Showdown” stage of 10 laps with $4,000 awarded to the race winner. Every driver finishing in the top-15 is guaranteed at least $2,000 in prize money. Additional bonus money is up for grabs for the winner of stages 1 & 2.
What is the payout for SRX racing? ›Feature winners will pocket $1,817,000 from total purses of approximately $4,300,000. Drivers and teams who do well will not only be handsomely rewarded financially, but they'll have career-making bright spots on their bios.
Is Ray Evernham still involved with SRX? ›With Ray Evernham not being involved with SRX anymore, how will that impact how the series does in year two? – Reggie J., Madison, Wis. It was a bit of a surprise to see Evernham's tweet announcing his decreased involvement.
Does Tony Stewart own SRX racing? ›...
Superstar Racing Experience.
| Category | Auto racing |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Inaugural season | 2021 |
| Drivers | 12–13 (per race) |
| Engine suppliers | Ilmor |
Hailie Deegan, Brad Keselowski, Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman to Race Full-Time in 2023 SRX Season in Primetime on ESPN. Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has announced the first four full-time drivers who will compete for the 2023 SRX Championship.
What does SRX stand for in SRS racing? ›Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), the six-race short-track series for an all-star line-up of drivers from various racing disciplines, has announced the format that will debut this summer on Saturday nights in primetime on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.
Where is Quin Houff now? ›Houff works with Duke University School of Medicine's cancer programs, as his mother was treated for cancer there.
Why is Johnny Sauter not racing anymore? ›This is the start of a new chapter for Sauter, who is now part time in the Truck Series this year with ThorSport and G2G Racing after two decades of full-time racing at the three highest levels. Sauter says he isn't pursuing anymore full-time opportunities so he can be a full-time dad and part-time racer.
Where is Tyler Carpenter racing? ›As a result of winning the 2021 Gateway Dirt Nationals, Carpenter is currently scheduled to race a one-off race for Niece Motorsports at Knoxville Raceway as part of the team's "Win and You're In" program.
Who are the hosts of Fox Nascar? ›
- Mike Joy (play-by-play)
- Clint Bowyer (color commentator)
- Rotation of guest color commentators (see full list below) Tony Stewart (Clash, Duel races, Daytona 500, Fontana and Atlanta) Danica Patrick (Las Vegas and Phoenix) TBA (all races from Fontana through Sonoma)
Moffitt Cancer Center is affiliated with the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and provides education to medical students and residency training as well.
Does Thad Moffitt still race? ›In 2022, Moffit returned to the series for one race and finished fourth at the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he finished 18th. Heading into 2023, Moffitt is focused and determined to grow his racing resume.
Is Thad Moffitt still racing? ›Thad Moffitt, grandson of racing legend Richard Petty, announced today at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show (PRI) that he will compete full time in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli's TA2 class in 2023.
Who will drive the 18 car in 2023? ›Now Joe Gibbs Racing have confirmed the first driver in their NASCAR Xfinity Series lineup for the 2023 season. Sammy Smith, who competed for the team behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota, also known as the “star car”, in nine races during the 33-race 2022 season is set to drive the No. 18 Toyota full-time in 2023.
What kind of bodies do Xfinity cars use? ›Current bodies are steel sheet metal but the new composites are made from fibrous materials including fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon fiber. The exactly blend is a Five Star Bodies trade secret. When will the new bodies be used? NASCAR allowed Xfinity Series teams to decide how the new bodies would be rolled out.
Who is the oldest Xfinity driver? ›| Morgan Shepherd | |
|---|---|
| NASCAR Xfinity Series career | |
| 453 races run over 33 years | |
| 2019 position | 61st |
| Best finish | 11th (1982) |
“This is a hit to NASCAR and the team, but, in the big picture, this is an issue beyond the sport as much as anything,” Page said. “Lowe's has some financial issues that have been building for a while and it just doesn't make sense to put $20 million-plus into a NASCAR program right now.
Is jimmy Johnson coming back to NASCAR in 2023? ›Johnson, who stepped away from full-time NASCAR racing following the 2020 season and full-time racing in general in September 2022, also returns to the driver's seat of a stock car for a part-time schedule in 2023. He'll pilot the No. 84 Chevrolet starting with the 65th annual Daytona 500 on Feb.
Who has controlling interest in NASCAR? ›The France family has controlled the stock-car racing organization since its inception, with Bill France Sr. serving as the founder and president from 1947-1972. Per the NASCAR official site, Brian France is the current chairman and CEO of NASCAR, while Lesa France Kennedy is the vice chairperson.
Are any Pettys still racing? ›
Petty remains very active in the sport as both a NASCAR team owner (GMS Racing) in the Cup Series, and owner of Petty's Garage (car restoration and modification shop) in Level Cross, North Carolina.
Who was the last driver to win in the 43 car? ›Richard Petty: NASCAR win in 43 car at Darlington ends 55-year drought.
Is 43 still a Petty car? ›43 at Martinsville in 1999, and then it took 15 years for the car to earn a victory in the new millennium when Aric Almirola took it to Victory Lane at Daytona in 2014. And since then, the Petty No. 43 has been shut out. In 2021, Erik Jones was introduced as the new driver of the No.
How old is Jeff Gordon? › What is Kyle Pettys net worth? ›Kyle Petty net worth: Kyle Petty is an American former NASCAR driver who has a net worth of $25 million dollars. Kyle Petty was born in Level Cross, North Carolina, and began racing while still a child. Born into a racing family, he was around cars from a very young age.
How old is Rick Hendrick? › Who will be the Fox Nascar announcers in 2022? ›To kick off the 2022 Nascar season, Nascar on Fox tapped Hall of Famer Tony Stewart as an analyst for the Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and for the Daytona 500.
Who is leaving 23XI Racing? ›- Author: Hank Lee.
- Published: 1:12 PM EDT July 12, 2022.
- Updated: 1:42 PM EDT July 12, 2022.
Tyler Reddick will join 23XI Racing in 2024, team co-owner Denny Hamlin announced Tuesday. It is a multi-year deal, the team stated. Hamlin calls the 26-year-old Reddick a “franchise driver.” “It's easy to spot talent when you've got to go against it,” Hamlin said.
Does Tony Stewart own SRX? ›Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), officially known as the Camping World SRX Series, is an American stock car racing series founded by Tony Stewart, Ray Evernham, Sandy Montag and George Pyne.
Who will be announcers for FOX NASCAR in 2023? ›
In 2023, FOX Sports' 23rd consecutive season of NASCAR coverage which features its 20thDaytona 500, the FOX NASCAR booth is led by esteemed play-by-play announcer Mike Joy and former driver Clint Bowyer.
Is Clint Bowyer coming back to FOX in 2023? ›Meanwhile, Bowyer himself will be returning to the cockpit in 2023. He will run three events in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series, which is co-owned by Stewart, George Pyne and Sandy Montag. “When I first retired [at the end of the 2020 Nascar season], I was burnt out,” Bowyer said.
Who is singing and playing guitar on NASCAR? ›Marcus King (born March 11, 1996) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Why is Reddick leaving RCR? ›Two weeks after getting the first NASCAR Cup Series victory of his career, Tyler Reddick said he would leave Richard Childress Racing after 2023 to drive for the Denny Hamlin/Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing team. The immediate plan is for Reddick to stay with RCR through next year before going to 23XI in 2024.
What's up with Tyler Reddick? ›Impact With Kurt Busch's announcement that he's stepping back from full-time competition, RCR made it official that Reddick has been released from his contract in 2023. The young driver will now join 23XI Racing a year prior to what had been planned to fill the seat of Busch's No. 45 Toyota.
Where is Ryan Newman racing now? ›NASCAR great Ryan Newman will be spending more time behind the wheel in 2023, and he will be doing it driving for Sadler-Stanley Racing powered by Pace-O-Matic in selected SMART Tour and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races.
What NASCAR does Joe Gibbs own? ›In the NASCAR Cup Series, the team currently fields four full-time entries: the No. 11 Toyota Camry for Denny Hamlin, the No. 19 Camry for Martin Truex Jr., the No. 20 Camry for Christopher Bell, and the No. 54 Camry for Ty Gibbs.
Who will drive for RCR in 2023? ›- Manufacturer: Chevrolet.
- Engine: ECR Engines.
- Driver-crew chief pairings: Kyle Busch-Randall Burnett (No. 8), Austin Dillon-Keith Rodden (No.