Hyak Motorsports enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season focused on bouncing back after a difficult first year under its new name. Formerly known as JTG Daugherty Racing, the organization is still adjusting to its new identity and direction. The 2025 season ended with the No. 47 team finishing 30th in the standings, a result that fell short of expectations for a program led by a veteran driver. Now in Year Two, the goal is clear: show improvement and return to being a regular factor in the mid-pack and beyond.

Despite the struggles, there were moments of promise last season. Hyak’s best result came early, with a fifth-place finish in the spring race at EchoPark Speedway. That result reinforced what the team has long been known for, strong performance on drafting-style tracks. With Chevrolet power and Hendrick Motorsports engines, the No. 47 Chevrolet should again be competitive at Daytona, Talladega, and EchoPark. Those tracks may offer the best chances for headline results in 2026.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. returns for another season with the team, bringing experience and a proven track record on superspeedways. The 2025 campaign was one of the toughest of his Cup career, with fewer top-five and top-10 finishes than the year before. Missing the playoffs for two straight seasons has only added fuel to his motivation. Stenhouse has shown in the past that he can capitalize when opportunity strikes, most notably with his Daytona 500 victory in 2023.

Looking ahead, 2026 sets up as a chance for a reset. Early-season races at Daytona and EchoPark play directly into Stenhouse’s strengths, and a strong start could shift momentum for the entire year. If Hyak Motorsports can clean up execution and build consistency, the No. 47 team has the potential to turn last season’s frustrations into a more competitive and confident campaign.