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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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Mar 31, 2017; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) climbs into his car during practice for the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) climbs into his car during practice for the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Larson

Currently: Chip Ganassi Racing, No. 42 Target Chevrolet

Why it will happen: Kyle Larson’s three-year contract with CGR is up at the end of this season. After eight races into the season, he sits atop the point standings. He scored his second career victory and has already led 361 laps compared to the 379 laps that he led throughout the entire 2016 season. Right now, it’s Kyle Larson’s NASCAR.

A move like to Hendrick Motorsports would place Larson in better equipment than he has currently and provide him with more resources at his disposal. Larson is currently competitive on a weekly basis, but how long will that last? Joining Hendrick Motorsports would provide him with a better chance to not just win races more consistently, but win championships too.

Why it won’t happen: Larson is a racer and current team owner Chip Ganassi understands that. Larson has expressed interest in running the Indy 500. Ganassi can turn that dream in to a reality for him. Larson enjoys running at dirt track races when he gets the chance and Ganassi is open to allowing a certain number of races during the season. Rick Hendrick hasn’t been known to allow his drivers to race in a lot of dirt track races while in season.

Larson is currently the number one driver at CGR. At Hendrick Motorsports, Larson would be 2A or 2B depending on the weekend, but would always fall in behind Jimmie Johnson until he retires from racing.

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