Top 25 NASCAR Teams That Disappeared
25. BAM Racing
BAM Racing ran part-time in the Cup Series during the late ’90s and early 2000s. Sponsorship struggles eventually forced the team to shut down.
24. Furniture Row Racing
Based in Colorado, Furniture Row Racing won the 2017 Cup championship with Martin Truex Jr. Despite its success, the team closed in 2018 after losing its sponsor.
23. Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR)
MWR was a competitive team in the early 2010s with multiple race wins. Financial issues and sponsor loss led to its closure in 2015.
22. TRG Motorsports
TRG ran part-time in the Cup Series but never secured consistent sponsorship. The team folded in 2012.
21. Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI)
Founded by Dale Earnhardt, DEI was a powerhouse in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It merged with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009, ending its independent operations.
20. Robert Yates Racing
Robert Yates Racing won the 1999 championship with Dale Jarrett. The team merged into other operations by 2009.
19. Petty Enterprises
One of NASCAR’s most iconic teams, Petty Enterprises dominated for decades. It merged with Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2009 to form Richard Petty Motorsports.
18. Bill Davis Racing
Bill Davis Racing competed in both Cup and Truck Series but struggled to maintain sponsorship. The team closed in 2008.
17. A.J. Foyt Racing (Cup Operations)
Foyt’s team made its mark in Cup racing but eventually shifted focus to IndyCar. NASCAR operations ended in the mid-2000s.
16. Red Bull Racing Team
Red Bull entered NASCAR in the 2000s with a competitive team. They exited the sport in 2011 despite winning multiple races.
15. Haas CNC Racing (Early Years)
Haas CNC Racing laid the foundation for what became Stewart-Haas Racing. The original team name disappeared as it evolved into the modern powerhouse.
14. Arnold Motorsports
A small team in the early 2000s, Arnold Motorsports struggled to remain competitive. It eventually folded after a few seasons.
13. Morgan-McClure Motorsports
Famous for multiple Daytona 500 wins in the ’80s and ’90s. Financial troubles forced the team to close in 2008.
12. PPI Motorsports
PPI ran mid-level Cup cars in the 1990s and early 2000s. Sponsorship shortages led to the team disappearing.
11. Junie Donlavey Racing
A loyal underdog team known for decades of Cup racing. Operations ceased in 2009 after Donlavey retired.
10. Tyler Jet Motorsports
Ran in the Cup Series briefly during the late ’90s. The team folded due to financial struggles.
9. BACE Motorsports
Successful in the Truck Series, BACE also ran Xfinity cars. The team shut down after losing funding and sponsors.
8. Kranefuss-Haas Racing
Competed in the Cup Series in the 1990s with moderate success. The team sold its operations after a few seasons.
7. MB2/MBV Motorsports
MB2 ran Cup cars in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It eventually merged into other teams, disappearing as a standalone operation.
6. Ultra Motorsports
Competed primarily in the Truck Series with strong performances. Financial troubles led to the team closing its doors.
5. RAB Racing
A part-time Cup and Xfinity team known for underdog efforts. The team ceased operations in the late 2010s.
4. Phoenix Racing
One of the longest-running small teams in NASCAR history. Phoenix Racing closed after the 2013 season.
3. FitzBradshaw Racing
Competed in Xfinity Series races with a focus on developing drivers. Lack of sponsorship caused the team to disappear.
2. Melling Racing
Won the 1988 Daytona 500 with Bill Elliott. The team shut down in 1996 after financial difficulties.
1. Hendrick Motorsports Early Development Teams
Hendrick had several early satellite teams to develop talent. These smaller operations eventually closed as Hendrick consolidated his powerhouse structure.
