DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Noah Gragson 4 Front Row Motorsports Rush Truck Centers Ford is being interviewed during Media Day for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 11, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 11 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Media Day EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602111121500

NASCAR championship contender could replace Noah Gragson as the Cup star hints at uncertain future

Jul 18, 2026, 3:37 PM CUT

The NASCAR Truck Series is currently buzzing with Layne Riggs leading the championship, and he seems to have his eyes set on a Cup seat in 2027. Riggs currently drives the No.34 Ford F-150 for Front Row Motorsports, and at the Cup level, Noah Gragson is the only FRM driver without a contract after 2026.

Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Riggs told Alan Cavanna and Jeff Gluck of his ambitions for a Cup Series debut. However, he acknowledged that a midseason 2026 promotion was almost out of the question, with just a few races left before the Chase.

When asked about his 2027 prospects, Riggs took an unsure stance.

"I’m not sure either," Riggs said on the podcast, as quoted by Joseph Srigley. "We don’t have any plans yet; we’re just trying to figure out how early silly season works out first to see if there’s an opportunity for me, but I’d like to make my first [Cup Series] start at some point. This year would be great, but it’s not looking great for the timeline of having to get your first start before The Chase starts in Cup."

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Layne Riggs 34 Front Row Motorsports Love s Travel Stops Ford races in turn 4 during practice for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 on February 12, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 12 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602122137250

Riggs’ comments come not long after Noah Gragson’s admission. In an interaction on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Gragson responded to a question from Chase Briscoe, who had asked him why he didn’t punch Kevin Magnussen during their post-race altercation in San Diego.

Gragson stated that the potential consequences of such an altercation would have jeopardized his goal of finding a seat for the next year, as it is currently unknown whether he will return to FRM in 2027 or not.

"I was (going to take Magnussen on), but I'm trying to get a job next year," Gragson said. "There’s a lot more consequences than just the monetary fine if I were to do that."

If Gragson doesn't return to FRM in 2027, Riggs is being linked as a potential candidate to fill his seat.

Another Cup driver faces a similar situation regarding an uncertain future over his seat in 2027.

Is Ty Dillon staying with Kaulig in 2027?

A tweet from Rammin is Racing spoke on rumours surrounding Ty Dillon’s future with Kaulig Racing. With an increased likelihood of Kaulig switching to Dodge from Chevrolet, Dillon is reportedly not expected to be on the team in 2027.

The tweet said, "According to who we have spoke with, Ty Dillon is not expected back in 2027 if the team is with Dodge, but that’s not ironclad."

Earlier this month, Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice had pushed back against rumours that Dillon would leave after 2026. He stated that the 34-year-old has traditionally raced on one-year agreements with Kaulig, and that it is nothing new.

However, Rice did tell SiriusXM NASCAR that the team will come to a decision by the first week of August.

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak