NASCAR: 5 drivers who could lose their rides for 2023
By Asher Fair
NASCAR Cup Series silly season has been relatively tame thus far, but there are still several drivers facing uncertain futures.
NASCAR Cup Series silly season has been loaded with interesting speculation and headlines, but there hasn’t been much to discuss other than drivers re-signing with their current teams.
So far, the only driver we know for a fact will not be back in his current ride next year is Aric Almirola, and that was announced before the 2022 season even started. Almirola stated back in January that he plans to retire once the season ends, leaving Stewart-Haas Racing’s #10 Ford without a driver.
Here are five other drivers who may not be back with their current teams in 2023.
Drivers who could be out: No. 1 – Ty Dillon
Ty Dillon missed the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season after Germain Racing shut down and sold their charter to the new 23XI Racing team post-2020, but he returned in 2022.
He was initially set to drive the #94 Chevrolet for GMS Racing, but he ended up behind the wheel of the #42 Chevrolet after GMS Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports formed a partnership to become Petty GMS Motorsports.
This resulted in Dillon having a teammate, as Erik Jones returned for a second season behind the wheel of Richard Petty’s #43 Chevrolet. Unfortunately for Dillon, he has been handily beaten by his teammate in 2022. Jones sits eight positions and more than 100 points ahead of Dillon in the point standings, and Jones has beaten Dillon’s best finish of 10th place on four occasions.
Given how strong Jones has been and the fact that he has proven Petty GMS Motorsports are capable of competing for decent results, could Petty GMS Motorsports look to replace Dillon after year one?