The organization that once bore the name JTG Daugherty Racing is on the cusp of a significant transformation. With a rebrand and an ownership change set to take place ahead of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, it will now be known as HYAK Motorsports. This shift marks a new chapter in the history of the team.

Unleashing the Power of HYAK in NASCAR

Ownership Transition and Key Players

Gordon Smith, who took on the role of principal owner at the end of the 2023 season, will be the majority owner moving forward. Alongside him, Brad Daugherty, Ernie Cope, and Mark Hughes will serve as co-owners. This diverse group brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.The founding team owners Tad and Jodi Geschickter, who have stepped away from ownership, now own BAM LLC, which has facilitated the Kroger partnership that has moved to RFK Racing. This transition in ownership structure sets the stage for exciting changes within the team.

The Significance of the Name "HYAK"

The identity shift for the organization begins with the name "HYAK", which holds a special meaning. "HYAK" means "FAST" in Chinook Jargon, a trade language of the Pacific Northwest that incorporates terms from various local languages. This name choice not only pays homage to the team's heritage but also symbolizes their determination to move forward at a rapid pace.As Team Owner/CEO Gordon Smith said, "Becoming the owner of Hyak Motorsports brings an exciting opportunity. 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."

Continuity in the Driver's Seat

Despite the changes in name and ownership, one thing remains constant – Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will continue to pilot the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign and beyond. His experience and skill on the track will be crucial as the team embarks on this new era.Brad Daugherty, one of the four owners of the team, expressed his excitement about 2025, saying, "I'm really excited about 2025 as our company continues to evolve. 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."Ernie Cope, another team co-owner, added, "2025 will begin a new era for this company. We're still committed to being a winning team with Ricky and the entire No. 47 crew. This is just the next step in elevating the team to another level."The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign will kick off on February 2, 2025, at Bowman-Gray Stadium. This will be the first official showing for HYAK Motorsports, and additional announcements regarding partnerships for the No. 47 team are expected to follow.As the team prepares to embark on this new journey, fans and sponsors alike are eager to see what the future holds. With a strong ownership group and a talented driver at the helm, HYAK Motorsports is poised to make a significant impact in the world of NASCAR.