NASCAR: 5 Xfinity Series drivers poised for future Cup moves

The departure of the “Big 3” from the NASCAR Xfinity Series to the Cup Series has put the spotlight on several other promising young Xfinity Series drivers. Which five are best positioned to make moves to the Cup Series?

Throughout the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series, there was quite a bit of speculation about the futures of the series’ top three drivers: Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer and Richard Childress Racing’s Tyler Reddick.

These three drivers, grouped together and known simply as the “Big 3” after their success from their Championship 4 runs in the 2018 season continued to a far greater extent in the 2019 season, combined to win 21 of the 33 races in 2019. Only six other races were won by full-time Xfinity Series drivers.

All three again qualified for the Championship 4, with Reddick winning his second consecutive championship. And as speculated, all three were promoted to the Cup Series ahead of the 2020 season.

Bell was promoted to the Joe Gibbs Racing-affiliated Leavine Family Racing to replace the Wood Brothers Racing-bound Matt DiBenedetto, Custer was promoted to Stewart-Haas Racing to replace the Gaunt Brothers Racing-bound Daniel Suarez and Reddick was promoted to Richard Childress to replace the JR Motorsports Xfinity Series-bound Daniel Hemric.

With the “Big 3” gone, who would shine in the 2020 Xfinity Series season? More importantly, who is now best positioned to be promoted to the Cup Series at some point in the near future?