NASCAR: 3 possible replacements for Kyle Busch
By Asher Fair
Possible Kyle Busch replacements: Dark horse – Santino Ferrucci
Joe Gibbs Racing have proven that they are willing to think outside the box with the driver lineup for the “star car” in 2022, most notably by giving Trevor Bayne a chance to shine in a surprise return to NASCAR and by extending an offer to journeyman Ryan Truex.
So why not take a chance on Santino Ferrucci?
Like he was last year after spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons competing full-time in IndyCar following his departure from Formula 2, the 23-year-old Woodbury, Connecticut native is again without a full-time ride.
Santino Ferrucci says he has no plans to get in anyone’s car and finish top-10 this week as he did for Jack Harvey last week in IndyCar at Texas. Not saying he couldn’t. But no plans. Any NASCAR raced this year are TBA. pic.twitter.com/tYQmJB0xWj
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 25, 2022
Last year, he ended up competing part-time for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, and he also made his Xfinity Series debut and competed part-time for Sam Hunt Racing.
His results for the up-and-coming Toyota operation were more than respectable. In seven races, he scored four top 15 finishes, and he finished every race he started.
Most recently, Ferrucci was called upon by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at the last minute to fill in for Jack Harvey at Texas Motor Speedway. After starting in 27th (last) place with no practice or testing, he finished in ninth.
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With a proven ability to adapt on the fly, Joe Gibbs Racing would almost be silly not to take a second look at a driver who is still looking to find a home in American motorsport.