The 2025 season is nearly upon us, and that means we are hearing major rumblings all across the industry. Some of these may be bigger news than others, should they prove to be true; some may be tiny. But here are just a few of our favorites.

*Keep in mind, these are RUMORS and are in no way substantiated. This is just a bit of fun.

The Big One – A New Format!

Something that a CRAP ton of fans have been hoping for for years now, a new Playoff format. No, it seems we will never get the 36 race format back, but a change is needed. The rumor appears to be that the Playoff format will be a 3-3-4 race Format with cuts at each stage, and more than four drivers competing in the final four races for points to secure the title. How many drivers? Not sure, but it is safe to assume they remain at 16.

More Horsepower

We can hear you now, “YESSSSSS!” and to quote James Pumphrey, “Mo Powa Baby.” Fans and drivers alike have been demanding Mo Powa since the introduction of the Gen 7 race car. These rumors have come around based on conversations with industry insiders as well as discussions from NASCAR’s executive team. Will it be 900 again? Not likely, but 750 plus would be nice.

An Early Official Dodge Cup Series Entry

Thanks to the 23XI/FRM vs NASCAR Lawsuit, we know that NASCAR is looking to release one of the four charters it reserved for a new OEM. Could that be Dodge bringing the Charger back to NASCAR as early as next season? Possibly, though the timeline for approvals doesn’t add up, and the editor doesn’t see this happening. Honda?

Hailie Deegan will Return to the Craftsman Truck Series with Ram

Deegan made her departure from NASCAR mid-season in 2024 following an abysmal Xfinity Series rookie campaign. However, there have been many rumors floating around claiming she will be in one of the five full-time Kaulig Racing Ram trucks in 2026. Her rookie season in Indy NXT was not spectacular, so many see this as a way to return to what she seems to know best.

An Earnhardt will Return Full-Time to NASCAR

For the first time since 2017, an Earnhardt will go full-time in a major NASCAR National Series in 2026.

The Cup Series Already has Multiple New Teams Lined up for 2026

This one is 100% up in the air pending that pesky 23XI/FRM vs NASCAR lawsuit. The rumor is that NASCAR has received bids on all 6 of the “inactive” charters previously held by both Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing. But new teams will almost 100% be coming to the sport for the 2026 season. How does that play out with such a short stint between the December trial and the February Daytona 500? Guess we’ve gotta wait and see.

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen will Drive a Ram in 2026

Butterbean just announced his second Xfinity Series start for Kaulig Racing in 2025, so it’s a big possibility that he gets the call to run a Ram for the new Truck Series team in 2026.

Image Credit: Patrick Vallely