The current offseason has proved chaotic for both teams and drivers. 2021 will likely be one of the best in the last few years.
First, this is the last season before the teams will switch over to the “Next Gen Car” which has been testing for months now, it seems NASCAR is looking to develop a car that allows for good racing, and competition at the same time. At the end of the day, you do not want a racing package that just anyone can win, you want the cream to rise to the top if you will. NASCAR believes they are developing a car that will give the best racing product possible.
More importantly, the field of competition has been scrambled in big ways.
John Hunter Nemechek, who competed in his first full season at the Cup Series is moving back down to the Camping World Truck Series, a curious move to say the least. Although he is moving down to the Truck Series he is, however, joining Kyle Busch Motorsports, which instantly makes him a contender for the Championship.
Joe Gibbs has also made a rare move to their driver lineup, allowing Erik Jones to become a free agent this offseason and bringing in Christopher Bell to drive the “20” Car.
Where does this leave Erik Jones? After months of speculation as to Bubba Wallace’s next move, he announced he would be leaving Richard Petty Motorsports. Erik will be joining the “43” Car.
Bubba Wallace went from a random guy in NASCAR to a household name in a matter of weeks in the summer of 2020. This attracted many brands to Wallace considering his newfound fame and unrelenting passion for speaking on social topics. This also attracted NBA Legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin to launch “23XI Racing” which will be a number 23 Toyota Camry primarily sponsored by Door Dash. The birth of 23XI is not only a much-needed breath of fresh air for Toyota as a manufacturer, but it is also a huge leap forward in further diversifying the sport of NASCAR.
Corey LaJoie also announced he would be driving the number 7 car for Spire Motorsports which is, according to many, the best opportunity for LaJoie so far in his Cup Career.
Alex Bowman will go from trying to fill the void left by Dale Earnhardt Jr, the 15 time most popular driver, to driving the 48 car and filling the void left by Jimmie Johnson, one of only three drivers to win seven championships.
Ross Chastain will be getting a new ride in an old car, he will be driving the “42” car for Chip Ganassi Racing, teaming up with Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch.
Matt Kenseth will be leaving the 42 car and full-time racing, Kenseth is a one time champion and one of the most popular drivers over the past two decades.
Daniel Suarez will also be joining a new car and a new team in the form of Trackhouse Racing which will be driving the 99 Chevrolet Camaro. This is an important move for Daniel Suarez who last year was in a Gaunt Brothers racing car, which is just not as competitive as the Joe Gibbs or Stewart Haas Racing cars that he has been made used to. It is also good for the sport’s international popularity as Suarez is the lone Hispanic in the Nascar Cup series.
Lastly, Kyle Larson has joined Hendrick Motorsports; he will be driving the number 5 car and will more than likely run without major sponsors for obvious reasons.
Clint Bowyer has also retired from full-time racing joining the booth to be a commentator for FOX.
The new look of the field of drivers will bring a shake-up in competition the likes of which has not been seen since Dale Jr joined Hendrick Motorsports the same year Kyle Busch joined Joe Gibbs Racing. This is a season many have been looking forward to for a very long time. It is safe to say many will be glued to their TVs every Sunday starting in February.
James Wilson is the Host of “The Pit Stop” on Tobacco Road Sports Radio Wilson also serves as co host of “The Score with Brett Wiseman” 10am every Saturday on TRSR.
