NASCAR: 5 possible replacements for Kyle Busch
By Asher Fair
Kyle Busch replacements: No. 3 – Chandler Smith
Chandler Smith is set to return to Kyle Busch Motorsports for a second full season in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2022 after ending his rookie season on a high note.
Smith’s rookie season started as somewhat of a disappointment, as he went winless in the regular season despite qualifying for the playoffs. He was really nowhere near the level of teammate John Hunter Nemechek, who was also in his first full season with the team.
But Smith advanced to the second round of the playoffs with his first career victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, and he won the season finale at Phoenix Raceway ahead of the four Championship 4 drivers to finish the year with two wins in five races.
He is set to return to Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2022.
Smith’s return gives Kyle Busch’s team a level of stability they haven’t had in several years, given the fact that Nemechek is also set to be back for a second season.
Given his clear progression and development, it would only make sense to give him a shot behind the wheel of a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the Xfinity Series.
Busch is no stranger to having his Truck Series drivers compete for Coach Gibbs in select Xfinity Series races, and this situation should be no different.