A look at the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams and drivers
By Ted Fleming
There are 19 teams that have a NASCAR Charter, meaning 36 cars of the available 40 slots will make every race throughout the 2017 season.
As fans get ready to strap in for the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, there’s more than just a new title sponsor and rules changes to keep in mind. There’s been some changes among the race teams as well, so here’s your primer on who’s racing where in 2017.
Stewart-Haas Racing
No. 4 – Kevin Harvick
No. 10 – Danica Patrick
No. 14 – Clint Bowyer
No. 41 – Kurt Busch
SHR made a bold move entering its first season without its co-owner Tony Stewart behind the wheel of one of its four cars by making the switch from Chevrolet to Ford. While hopes are high that the team will be able to keep up its high standards, there could be an early learning curve as drivers and crews make the adjustment.
Clint Bowyer will step into the No. 14 vacated by the retirement of Stewart. The change has been in the works for the last year, and after Michael Waltrip Racing folded, he spent a rather lackluster season with HScott Motorsports in 2016 waiting for this opportunity. He will be looking for his first win since 2012, when he visited the winner’s circle three times.
One of the big stories that will hang over SHR is the sponsorship issues plaguing Danica Patrick. The team filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Nature’s Bakery. The team said they are committed to racing the No. 10 full time. However, there is a chance she could race without a primary sponsor at times during the schedule.