NASCAR: 3 replacement candidates for Bubba Wallace in 2021

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Erik Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Possible 2021 Richard Petty Motorsports drivers: Erik Jones

Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed that Christopher Bell is set to replace Erik Jones behind the wheel of the #20 Toyota, making Jones a free agent after three seasons of competing for the team.

Jones had been linked to multiple other top-tier organizations, including Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing, but all three options seem to have fallen away for the 24-year-old Byron, Michigan native.

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Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed Ross Chastain as Matt Kenseth’s replacement behind the wheel of the #42 Chevrolet, and Kyle Larson, who had been linked to Stewart-Haas Racing, has emerged as the likely replacement for Jimmie Johnson at Hendrick Motorsports behind the wheel of the #88 Chevrolet (Alex Bowman is set to move from the #88 Chevrolet to the #48 Chevrolet).

Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Tony Stewart had stated that he would take Larson over Jones if it came down to one or the other, but even if Larson ends up with Rick Hendrick’s team, Jones likely isn’t their go-to guy.

While Clint Bowyer’s contract won’t be renewed, marking five straight seasons of a new driver lineup for Stewart-Haas Racing, Xfinity Series driver Chase Briscoe is well-positioned for a promotion.

That means that if Jones is to stick around in the Cup Series, which he remains confident will happen, he will have to settle for a less competitive team. Richard Petty Motorsports could be the perfect fit, given their open seat, and they are reportedly in advanced talks with him about ending up in that seat next year.

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With Bubba Wallace out, who will replace him at Richard Petty Motorsports? Will his replacement be one of the three drivers discussed in this article, or will a surprise candidate emerge at some point?

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