HYAK Motorsports Announces New Name and Ownership in 2025
Share
Team Formerly Known as JTG Racing Welcomes in a New Era of Racing Excellence
[Harrisburg, NC] — HYAK Motorsports welcomes in a new era of racing for the iconic No. 47 team with a fresh, new rebrand, name and ownership. For the 2025 season, the team will transition from JTG Racing to HYAK Motorsports as Gordon Smith, who became the principal owner of the team on November 18, 2023, transitions into the role after owning a large portion of the team since 2016. HYAK Motorsports will continue to carry out Smith’s plan to bring a fresh, new energy to the team and show his commitment in advancing the team’s legacy both on and off the racetrack.
The change starts with the name “HYAK” which means “fast” in Chinook Jargon, which is a trade language of the Pacific Northwest that incorporates terms from Chinook, Chehalis, and many other local languages. The ownership transition promises to fuel HYAK Motorsports with a competitive edge by enhancing its approach to performance, innovation, and fan engagement. Smith is now joined by co-owners Brad Daugherty, Mark Hughes and Ernie Cope, who are also dedicated to maintaining the team’s high standards while introducing updated strategies and resources to help bring the team to a new level.
"Becoming the owner of HYAK Motorsports is both an honor and an exciting opportunity,” said Gordon Smith, Team Owner/CEO. "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."
The team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering thrilling performances will continue in the 2025 season starting with the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray on February 2, 2025, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
“I’m really excited about 2025 as our company continues to evolve,” said Brad Daugherty, one of the four owners of the team. “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.”
“2025 will be a new era for this company,” said Ernie Cope, team co-owner. “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.”
2025 will mark the team’s 31st season in NASCAR. During its history, the team has scored three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, three poles, and 89 top-10 finishes. Its pinnacle Daytona 500 win came on February 19, 2023, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr who will continue to pilot the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro next season.
“Rebranding a team can be exciting, I’m looking forward to continuing building this team up with a lot of the same great crew members we have had here,” states Ricky Stenhouse Jr, driver for the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro. “I’m focused on the competition side and getting our performance back that we had in 2023. We learned a lot in 2024, so we’re ready to get back to the track.”
More updates will follow in the NASCAR offseason as the team works to build upon its foundation and look ahead to the 2025 season.