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NASCAR Buy or Sell: Kyle Larson’s Future with CGR

By Trevor Grasso

Mar 31, 2017; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) 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) during practice for the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Larson has recently said he hopes to stay with Chip Ganassi Racing for his entire career. Do we really believe this will happen? Or will Larson make the switch to a bigger team?

This week’s Buy or Sell topic will dive into Kyle Larson’s comments on wanting to stay with Chip Ganassi Racing for his entire career. With so much speculation surrounding Larson’s future ride after Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his retirement, fans are eager to see who the highly talented Larson ends up driving for beyond 2017.

Kyle Larson will still be driving for Chip Ganassi in two years: SELL

Kyle Larson’s contract is set to expire in 2017. Target, the primary sponsor of the 42, does have a contract expiring after this season. After 27 years sponsoring Chip Ganassi Racing’s IndyCar team, Target decided to make 2016 their last season in that series. They could also decide to pull out of NASCAR, leaving the 42 team looking for new sponsors.

March 26, 2017; Fontana, CA, USA; NASCAR Cup series driver Kyle Larson (42) celebrates following his win of the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 26, 2017; Fontana, CA, USA; NASCAR Cup series driver Kyle Larson (42) celebrates following his win of the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The 24-year-old Larson is one of NASCAR’s rising stars. After nine races, he sits atop the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with one win and 398 points. His passion for racing and talent go hand in hand. Larson is a dream for every team owner in the sport.

One of those owners is the legendary Rick Hendrick. It just so happens that Hendrick Motorsports has two potential rides opening up in as many years. Dale Jr. is retiring after this season and Kasey Kahne’s contract is set to expire following the 2018 season. Hendrick would be foolish if he doesn’t throw whatever he can at Kyle Larson to reel him in and pair up with fellow young star Chase Elliott for many years to come.

It seems like the perfect match. A young championship-caliber driver becoming a free agent around the same time the 12-time championship owner has a couple of rides to fill. The only thing standing in the way of this marriage is Larson’s loyalty to Ganassi.

It will not be an easy decision for Kyle Larson. After a lot of thought and consideration, Larson has to realize if he truly wants to become a next-level race car driver then he has to make the jump to the juggernaut they call HMS. The sky is the limit for the hard-working kid out of California if he chooses to take the golden opportunity Rick Hendrick will almost certainly offer him in the near future.

Related Story: Elliott Still Looking for His First Win

Do you have a hot topic for next week’s Buy or Sell? Tweet it to me @T_Grasso11 and your topic might be featured in next week’s edition! Use the hashtag #BTFBuyorSell.

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