After experiencing an executive shift, JTG Daugherty Racing morphed into Hyak Racing. With that change, not much seemed too different on the track. There was no significant jump or decline in performance for the 47 team. Outside of a different logo on the hauler, the organization remained the same. For 2026, the hope is that this team can start building progression to become a stronger presence in Cup. While it is unlikely that Hyak Motorsports will return to being a 2-car operation, the goal should be to have their 47 entry a Chase caliber team on a yearly basis. Will that happen in 2026?
#47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Crew Chief: Mike Kelley
2025 Points Finish: 30
2026 Announced Sponsors: SunnyD, NOS Energy, Chef Boyardee, Onin Staffing
When reviewing Ricky Stenhouse Jr’s 2025 season on the surface, it looks to be a struggling season. He scored his fewest Top-10s since 2021 and set his worst average finish since 2015. That said, 2025 was certainly a tale of two seasons. Early in the year, Stenhouse was the underdog story of the points. While win-and-in was certainly going to move the cutline, Stenhouse hovered around the bubble through the first 13 races of the season. Then Carson Hocevar happened. After getting tangled at Nashville, Stenhouse’s season spiraled. Before Nashville, Stenhouse averaged a 16.8 finish while sitting 13th in points. In the following 13 races, that average ballooned to 27.5, which sent him to 29th in points.
2026 Expectations
Based on his recent history, it would be safe to assume that Ricky Stenhouse Jr can rattle of a few Top-10s while sneaking away a Top-5 at some point. Expect him to be a factor at the superspeedways, especially Talladega. Will he also be part of a wreck at some point across the 6 superspeedway races? Surely, but he will also find his way through a few to get that Top-5. That said, Stenhouse has the potential to approach double digit Top-10s while being Top-20 in points.
The Chase Factor
For all the arrows that Ricky Stenhouse Jr still seems to take from fans, he is not a bad driver. While his talent certainly has a ceiling, Stenhouse has proven during his tenure with Hyak Motorsports that he can maximize his equipment. Two years ago, his Daytona 500 win might have netted him his playoff birth. However, Stenhouse would have been in the mix to point his way in. As mentioned above, Stenhouse put himself in a great position in the first half of the regular season to be a playoff driver. He should not be immediately excused from The Chase conversation. It will be an uphill battle, but there is a feasible chance Stenhouse can get the 47 in the conversation.
Catch up on the previous 2026 Season Previews
Hendrick Motorsports; Joe Gibbs Racing; Team Penske; Trackhouse Racing; 23XI Racing; RFK Racing; Spire Motorsports; Legacy Motor Club; Front Row Motorsports; Richard Childress Racing; Wood Brothers Racing; Kaulig Racing