NASCAR: 3 possible Joe Gibbs Racing drivers for 2022
By Randy Smith
With several open seats at Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, there are plenty of decisions to make heading into the offseason. Here are three possible drivers for the team in 2022.
Joe Gibbs Racing face an offseason of uncertainty for their NASCAR Xfinity Series program ahead of 2022. The only driver who is expected to remain in his current seat is Brandon Jones, who pilots the #19 Toyota.
Both Daniel Hemric and Harrison Burton are scheduled to leave the team, with Hemric set to join Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity Series team and Burton set to be promoted to the Cup Series to join Wood Brothers Racing. These moves leave the #18 Toyota and #20 Toyota without drivers.
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Additionally, Kyle Busch has retired from the Xfinity Series after eclipsing 100 wins, leaving a spot open for five races in the #54 Toyota as well. Joe Gibbs Racing could elect to disband the “star car”, but with other Cup Series drivers available to fill in for these races, this car could and should still be in play for next year.
So with the #18 Toyota, the #20 Toyota and the #54 Toyota all needing drivers heading into next season, here are three possible drivers to fill out the Joe Gibbs Racing stable.
Possible Joe Gibbs Racing drivers: No. 1 – Bubba Wallace
As mentioned, the #54 Toyota has been run by Joe Gibbs Racing for Kyle Busch, among others, to compete part-time in the Xfinity Series. Busch would run his maximum allowable total of five races per season, but after reaching 102 career wins this past summer, he kept good on his word.
The Las Vegas, Nevada native had previously said that he would retire from the Xfinity Series once he reached 100 wins. His schedule had him lined up for two more races, and he won both, but he is now finished at 102.
So with at least five races open for the #54 Toyota, Bubba Wallace, who competes for the Joe Gibbs Racing-affiliated 23XI Racing in the Cup Series, could be the the ideal replacement for Busch. If Joe Gibbs Racing elect to keep the #54 Toyota running, Wallace could run five races like Busch has.
With 23XI Racing co-owner and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin occasionally racing the #54 Toyota, it wouldn’t be too crazy to think that he would have some pull in putting his driver in the seat when it’s open.
The Mobile, Alabama native competed in his first Xfinity Series race since 2017 this past summer, driving the #61 Toyota for Hattori Racing Enterprises at Michigan International Speedway.