It has been a tragic week for the American motorsports community. Earlier, IndyCar legend Al Unser Sr passed away, to the shock and dismay of many. Now Nancy Wood, wife of Wood Brothers Racing co-owner Len Wood, also passed away. In light of the news, a few tributes poured in for the grieving family. Most notably, NASCAR CEO Jim France and Executive Vice Chair, Lesa France Kennedy, paid a touching tribute.

Of course, the Wood family were devastated at the news. However, life must go on, so the outfit will do its utmost to perform well in Nancy’s honor. Next year, the team is fielding Xfinity Series graduate, Harrison Burton in the #21 car. Burton is one of three rookie drivers, along with Austin Cindric and Todd Gilliland.

Wood Brothers Racing will be eager to enjoy a good 2022 NASCAR season

Last year, the outfit had Matt DiBenedetto in the #21 car, who delivered some decent performances. To be precise, he recorded a handful of Top 4 and Top 10 finishes in the 2021 season, with a best finish of 4th at Kansas. In the end, he could only muster 18th in the championship.

Truthfully speaking, it was a bit of a disappointment, considering that he finished 13th in 2020. This was in his maiden season with Wood Brothers Racing. Prior to that, he drove for BK Racing, Go and Fas Racing, and the now-defunct Leavine Family Racing. Sadly, DiBenedetto is out of a contract for the upcoming 2022 season.

As a free agent, the 30-year-old will be hunting for seats on the grid. So far, the empty slots are filling up fast, but DiBenedetto is a talented driver and he will be hoping that some teams jump at a chance to sign him. Meanwhile, Harrison Burton will be hoping that his Cup Series debut goes off without a hitch. In addition to that, he will want to enjoy a successful rookie season with Wood Brothers Racing.

READ MORE: Roger Penske Gave Matt DiBenedetto “One More Season” at Wood Brothers