NASCAR: 3 possible replacements for Noah Gragson

Possible Noah Gragson replacements: No. 2 – John Hunter Nemechek

Even prior to Noah Gragson’s suspension, the rumor mill was starting to churn about him potentially being replaced for the 2024 season.

Last week, The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reported that sources close to Legacy Motor Club confirmed to him that the rookie driver may be on the hot seat, based on his poor performance alone.

With the team set to switch to Toyota in 2024, their new manufacturer will likely want to have some sort of a say in the team’s driver lineup. Bianchi said that Toyota’s top choice for the ride would be John Hunter Nemechek.

Currently driving Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 Toyota in the Xfinity Series, the former Front Row Motorsports driver has scored five wins in 21 races this season, and he sits tied atop the point standings. His success in the Toyota stable over the last three seasons gives the manufacturer every reason to promote him to the Cup Series in one of their cars.

If Toyota and Legacy Motor Club are both pursuing his services for next year, why not get him into the seat early, see what he has to offer, and give him more time to acclimate himself with the team?

Given the fact that he is already driving for Toyota in the Xfinity Series, his experience with the manufacturer and his connections to the various people within the organization could also help prepare the team for the transition next season.

Of course, driving a Chevrolet while competing for a championship with Toyota would be a bit awkward, but stranger things have happened.