NASCAR: Kyle Larson tipped to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021
By Asher Fair
Kyle Larson has been tipped to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season alongside Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman.
It is a rumor that has been circulating for quite some time, but it appears to have taken one step closer to being a reality: Kyle Larson driving for Hendrick Motorsports in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Larson lost his ride with Chip Ganassi Racing back in April after multiple sponsors cut ties with him over his use of a racial slur during an iRacing race.
He was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR, and after working on his personal growth in response to his mistake for several months outside of the public eye he finally applied for reinstatement last month.
More from NASCAR Cup Series
- NASCAR Cup Series: New team set to compete in 2024
- NASCAR: Surprising name continuously linked to new seat
- NASCAR driver at risk of missing the Daytona 500?
- NASCAR set for rare appearance last seen 13 years ago
- NASCAR team adds third car, names driver for 2024 Daytona 500
He had been eligible to apply soon after his suspension began since he completed the required sensitivity training, but he opted to focus on his own growth and education in the weeks and months that followed. Plus, there would have been no reason for him to apply without having a ride lined up for next year.
Now that request has been approved, and all signs point to the 28-year-old Elk Grove, California native being confirmed as Hendrick Motorsports’ fourth driver for next year.
Rick Hendrick stated several weeks ago that he did not want to announce the team’s fourth driver, whom he had already picked out, to avoid the distraction that it would cause for the team, given that they had multiple drivers in championship contention.
Given the nature of Larson’s suspension and the driver he would be replacing at Hendrick’s team, no announcement would cause a bigger distraction than this one, so Hendrick’s concern is valid and checks out.
Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson is set to retire at the end of the 2020 season. While his replacement behind the wheel of the #48 Chevrolet has been confirmed as Alex Bowman, Bowman already drives the team’s #88 Chevrolet, so in terms of their actual driver lineup, Johnson’s “replacement” has not yet been announced.
Next. Top 10 NASCAR drivers of all-time. dark
Larson would likely drive the #5 Chevrolet, not the #88 Chevrolet, due to a speculated renumbering.