NASCAR: 5 driver moves we want to see for 2022
By Asher Fair
Moves we want to see: No. 5 – Matt DiBenedetto to…anywhere
With Brad Keselowski set to join Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Racing for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, his #2 Ford at Team Penske had been without a confirmed driver for next year.
Many believed that Matt DiBenedetto, who currently drives for the Team Penske-affiliated Wood Brothers Racing, would end up being the driver called upon to take his place.
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
But that won’t be the case.
DiBenedetto was informed late last season that he would be replaced by Team Penske Xfinity Series driver Austin Cindric behind the wheel of the #21 Ford at Wood Brothers Racing after the 2021 season.
The initial plan was to move Cindric into the #21 Ford this year, but DiBenedetto’s impressive performances late last season led to Team Penske changing their minds.
But with Keselowski now out, Team Penske announced that Cindric is set to move straight to the #2 Ford. However, even though he will be skipping a potential season behind the wheel of the #21 Ford, it still won’t be DiBenedetto in that car next year, as Harrison Burton has been named his replacement.
So DiBenedetto finds himself in yet another situation where he is effectively auditioning for a ride the following year. This marks the fourth consecutive season in which the 29-year-old Grass Valley, California native has been in effectively the exact same situation.
Unfortunately, he is not considered to be the top candidate to land any one of the key open Cup Series seats for next year.
However, this has been the case before, and he has found himself with another opportunity — a better opportunity — every time. So hopefully the same will play out this time, even if that means dropping down to the Xfinity Series or the Truck Series.
Next. Top 25 NASCAR drivers of all-time. dark
Will any of these moves be confirmed over the next few weeks or months? If not, where will these drivers end up in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season?