Car 42 has become one of the most talked about numbers in modern NASCAR, especially as teams and fans focus on driver lineups and equipment changes. When people ask who drives car 42 in NASCAR, the answer depends on the series, the race weekend, and the ownership group behind the entry.
This article breaks down the current driver, team structure, and context for car 42 across NASCAR’s top three series, using data tables, history, and real-world questions to give you a clear picture.
2024 Driver Assignments For Car 42
| Series | Team / Owner | Primary Driver | Crew Chief |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Cup | Team Stange (Stewart-Haas Racing / 23XI Racing collaboration) | Kurt Busch | Dave Rogers |
| NASCRA Xfinity | Circle Sport – The Motorsports Group | Career N/A (No full season entries in 2024) | Not applicable |
| NASCAR Craftsman Truck | Niece Motorsports | Multiple fill-in drivers | Various |
Cup Series Focus Who Drives Car 42 Now
In the NASCAR Cup Series, car 42 is entered by Team Stange, a collaboration between Stewart-Haas Racing and 23XI Racing. Kurt Busch serves as the full-time driver for the 2024 season, bringing veteran leadership and race craft to a team that blends technical resources from both ownership groups.
Busch works closely with crew chief Dave Rogers, who helps translate setup feedback into competitive performance on restrictor plate tracks, short ovals, and intermediate circuits where the car has shown improvement over previous years.
Xfinity Series And Truck Series Context
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, car 42 has not run a consistent full-season program, and when entries do appear, they often rely on part-time drivers or teams sharing equipment with other organizations. This means the car number appears occasionally but does not have a stable ride assignment.
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Niece Motorsports fields car 42 with a rotating door of drivers, using the entry as a platform for development and for drivers looking to secure funding or exposure for a potential full-time ride.
Historical Drivers And Team Evolution
Car 42 has a rich history in NASCAR, with names like Kyle Larson, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Marcos Ambrose wearing the suit in earlier years under different ownerships. More recently, the number has been associated with strategic partnerships and experimentation within the garage.
The current stability under Team Stange marks a shift from the frequent changes that once defined car 42, giving the entry a clearer identity in the modern NASCAR grid and a consistent message to sponsors and fans.
Key Takeaways For Following Car 42
- Kurt Busch is the primary driver for car 42 in the 2024 Cup Series with Team Stange.
- The number is inconsistent in Xfinity and Trucks, often serving as a part-time or development platform.
- Historical drivers include Larson, Montoya, and Ambrose, but recent ownership has brought more structure.
- Team collaboration between Stewart-Haas Racing and 23XI Racing resources defines the current car 42 identity.
- Performance focuses on improving consistency on varied track types rather than chasing short-term wins.
- Entry stability in 2024 represents a shift from the frequent changes that once characterized this car number.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who is the full-time driver for car 42 in 2024 Cup Series?
Kurt Busch is the full-time driver for car 42 in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, racing under the Team Stange banner that combines Stewart-Haas Racing and 23XI Racing resources.
Does car 42 run in Xfinity Series every week?
No, car 42 does not have a consistent full-season schedule in the Xfinity Series, and when it appears, it is usually driven by part-time competitors or developmental drivers.
Who drives car 42 in the Truck Series when it races?
Multiple drivers fill in for Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series, with assignments varying by track and sponsorship needs throughout the season.
Has car 42 won races recently in any NASCAR series?
Recent wins in the top-tier Cup Series for car 42 are limited, but the team focuses on steady point finishes and gradual performance gains with Kurt Busch at the wheel.