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NASCAR: Five Drivers To Replace Dale Earnhardt Jr.

By Matt Lovisa

Mar 5, 2017; Hampton, GA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) around turn four during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Hampton, GA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) around turn four during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 24, 2017; Fontana, CA, USA; NASCAR cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) during qualifying for the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2017; Fontana, CA, USA; NASCAR cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) during qualifying for the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

With the announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement following the 2017 season, let’s take a look at the top candidates for replacing the legendary driver.

The announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement following the 2017 season sent shock waves through the NASCAR community. A two-time Daytona 500 champion, a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and NASCAR’s most popular driver for the past 14 years is stepping away from the sport after the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The support that Earnhardt received from the NASCAR community shouldn’t go unnoticed either, as many drivers and teams tweeted their support for NASCAR’s biggest star.

All of that leaves Hendrick Motorsports at a crossroads. Who will be the next driver of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for the 2018 season?

There will be a ton of driver names floating around as possible candidates and drivers fans think would be a good fit. But how realistic are these drivers? Is Carl Edwards really going to come out of retirement? What about Alex Bowman? He is still under contract with Hendrick Motorsports. What about the list of drivers who are not currently under contract for the 2018 season?

Let’s take a quick look at five drivers to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports.

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