NASCAR: 5 teams that could have different driver lineups in 2021
By Asher Fair
2021 driver lineup changes: Stewart-Haas Racing
Stewart-Haas Racing were the only team among the sport’s top five teams to make a driver lineup change at the end of the 2019 season. They have now altered their lineup after each of the last four campaigns, and there is no reason to believe that they won’t do it again after the 2020 season.
The only driver who is officially signed with the team through beyond the 2020 season is Kevin Harvick, whose contract was recently extended though the 2023 season. Cole Custer is, however, seen as a long-term option, so there is no reason to consider him being on the hot seat, especially not after his win at Kentucky Speedway.
As for Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola, it is anybody’s guess. Late last season, there were rumors that it would be Bowyer, not Daniel Suarez, who would be replaced by Custer after the season, but he ended up sticking around on a one-year contract extension. Almirola’s deal was extended by a year late last season as well.
After combining for three victories and advancing to the round of 8 of the playoffs together in the 2018 season, they went winless in 2019. Meanwhile, Harvick has accrued 17 victories on his own since the 2018 season began.
It is worth noting that while Stewart-Haas Racing have changed their lineup after each of the last four seasons, they have only ever made one change during these four years. They have not replaced two drivers ahead of any one season.
Bowyer recently hinted to Beyond the Flag that he will be back in 2021 by saying a move to the broadcast booth “damn sure ain’t gonna happen any time soon.” But nothing is confirmed.