NASCAR Cup Series: 5 replacement candidates for David Ragan in 2020

BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 09: David Ragan, driver of the #38 MDS Transport Ford, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 09, 2019 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

Cole Custer

Cole Custer has been incredible this season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving the #00 Ford for Stewart Haas Racing. He has won five races so far this season and is definitely one of the favorites to win the championship. To go along with his five victories, he has also recorded an additional six top five finishes.

This season has been Custer’s best season in the Xfinity Series since he began competing in it full-time two years ago. He currently sits in third place in the championship standings as the highest Ford driver, and he seems to be more than ready to make the next step to the Cup Series given his recent success.

Many have speculated about whether or not Custer will be promoted to the Cup Series next season with Stewart-Haas Racing, perhaps as the replacement for Clint Bowyer or Daniel Suarez. But with Ragan’s ride being open with a Ford-backed team, Custer could very well end up there if Stewart-Haas Racing opt to retain Bowyer and/or Suarez.

It seems like a sure thing that Custer will end up driving for Stewart-Haas Racing at some point in his Cup Series career, but I’m not sold on that being next year.

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