JTG Daugherty Racing is moving forward into 2025 with a new name and a new ownership group.
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According to a Thursday evening press release, the NASCAR Cup Series team will now be Hyak Motorsports. This name means "fast" in Chinook Jargon, a trade language used throughout the Pacific Northwest. This language incorporates elements from Chinook, Chehalis, French, and other languages.
Gordon Smith, who became principal owner of JTG Daugherty Racing at the end of the 2023 season, will lead the organization as CEO. Joining him will be co-owners Brad Daugherty, Ernie Cope, and Mark Hughes.
Same Team. New Name. New Era.#NASCAR |@StenhouseJr pic.twitter.com/C6CHcMs9RX
— Hyak Motorsports (@HYAKMotorsports) November 21, 2024
"Becoming the owner of Hyak Motorsports brings an exciting opportunity," Smith said in a press release. "I look forward to building on the team's accomplishments, investing in its future, and driving toward new successes in partnership with our fans, sponsors, and team members."
The ownership group may change, but Hyak Motorsports says that management will remain the same. According to the announcement, this is the management that has been in charge the last two seasons as Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has won the Daytona 500 and a race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Stenhouse will continue to drive the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro after signing a multi-year contract extension in May.
"This rebrand is exciting for the team and myself," Stenhouse said in a statement. "I'm excited for everyone to see the rebrand this offseason and in 2025.
"The team has won the most iconic of races with the Daytona 500 so this is just a continuation of building its legacy."
The change to Hyak Motorsports follows Kroger departing JTG Daugherty Racing and moving to RFK Racing. The team will announce its updated list of partners as the season approaches.
The rebranded team will make its official debut at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. It will then kick off the season with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.
"I'm really excited about 2025 as our company continues to evolve," Daugherty said. "Our goal is to compete and win races at the highest level of NASCAR. The name change signifies that commitment and desire to be our very best."
