Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. / #47 Kroger (w/various partners) Chevrolet
2024 Crew Chief: Mike Kelley
2024 Season Grade: C
| Starts | Wins | Top 5 | Top 10 | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 25 |
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. entered his fourth season behind the wheel of the #47 Chevrolet in 2024, while crew chief Mike Kelley returned for his second season on the pit box. Kelley and Stenhouse had a decent 2023, finishing the season just outside of the top fifteen in points (16th). Heading into the new season fully intact, the 47 crew had eyes on finally making that coveted playoff run and proving they can still compete.
The beginning of the season was one typical of many teams in 2024, with a roller coaster ride of results. Following a 31st place finish in the Daytona 500, Stenhouse finished 6th in Atlanta, and 17th in Las Vegas. Results quickly slipped back down however, as the #47 would not sniff the top five until race ten in Talladega (4th). Results were very much mixed again following the first ten races through mid-summer.
The summer was fairly kind to the 47 crew as it would be one of their best stretches of the season. Iowa (5th) and New Hampshire (7th place) would provide two straight top 10 weeks for Stenhouse, while the Chicago street course and the return to the oval in Indianapolis would also result in top 15 finishes. That momentum was halted quickly, as the team would have to fight for even a top 20 finish, until the late part of the season in Talladega. Known for his superspeedway racing skills, Stenhouse and Kelley would take the #47 Chevrolet from a 32nd place starting to leading the final 12 laps and scoring their second win together.
While the Talladega win did initially put Stenhouse in playoff contention early, the finishes were not to be had afterwards. In the final fives races of 2024, the #47 entry would not finish better then 16th. Overall, Stenhouse scored one win, collected six top 10 finishes, and had seven DNF’s.
2025 Outlook: 2025 will be somewhat of a season of change for Kelley and Stenhouse. While Stenhouse signed a multi-year agreement in March to return to the 47 car, the team itself will be seeing some changes.
Long-time sponsor Kroger has departed to back Ryan Preece at RFK Racing’s new full-time effort, and team co-owner Tad Geschickter has sold his stake to team principal Gordon Smith. Smith’s purchase has resulted in a re-branding to HYAK Motorsports. These changes, combined with no replacement sponsor announced as of yet, could mean a repeat of 2024’s performance as the team adjusts.
While a playoff run could have to wait, an upset superspeedway win for a third consecutive season is still a possibility. If Stenhouse can improve upon the seven DNFs from this season, the team could elevate themselves into the Top 20 in points.