NASCAR: 5 teams that could have different driver lineups in 2021

2021 driver lineup changes: Wood Brothers Racing

Ryan Blaney’s contract extension with Team Penske was by far from the last thing that Roger Penske’s organization had to worry about from a driver market standpoint after it was confirmed back in March.

Fortunately, they already had Joey Logano under a long-term deal through the 2023 season since back in February of 2017. But as for Brad Keselowski, who signed a multi-year extension with the team back in July of 2017, things were nowhere near as certain.

But he did sign contract extension, meaning that Team Penske are the only big team with a completely confirmed 2021 driver lineup. They remain the only team for which the 36-year-old Rochester Hills, Michigan native has driven throughout his 11-year career as a full-time Cup Series driver.

However, given their technical alliance with Wood Brothers Racing, things are still interesting for the Captain’s organization.

Matt DiBenedetto is driving for the team on a one-year deal this year and has certainly performed well enough to the point where it can safely be said that he deserves another year behind the wheel of the #21 Ford, especially since Keselowski re-signed to drive the #2 Ford, eliminating that option for a promotion.

But Team Penske could opt to promote rising star Austin Cindric from their Xfinity Series team to Wood Brothers Racing, given the success that he has had in what has been a breakout 2020 campaign. Cindric appears well-positioned to join the Team Penske Cup Series team at some point in the near future. The fact that his father, Tim, is their team president also counts for something, like it or not.

Additionally, the fact that Keselowski’s extension only confirmed him through the 2021 season could be very telling about the Captain’s plans with Cindric.

Regardless, keep an eye on the #21 Ford.