USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Dillon (42) before the start of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Dillon (42) before the start of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Recently, the Petty GMS Racing team teased a massive announcement.
They already have Erik Jones in the #43, confirmed on a multi-year contract. However, #42 driver Ty Dillon has not inked a deal yet, and it is likely that he will not return.
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Naturally, this whipped up the fans into a frenzy as they played a guessing game on who will get the seat.
The general consensus is that Noah Gragson is the favorite to get the coveted #42 seat. However, there are many other candidates who could be in line for the position.
Admittedly, a few fan suggestions for the Petty GMS Racing seat did border on the ridiculous. This was because a few other names were being thrown here and there.
Noah makes all the sense in the world but, if Kaulig fields a second full time cup ride, Noah could go there?
— John Riley (@jriley322) August 9, 2022
Consensus seems to think Gragson, but I’m skeptical of that.
I’m leaning towards two former GMS truck drivers. Brett Moffitt or Zane Smith.
— james b (@BFLOJAMES) August 8, 2022
I don’t think ford will let Smith go so quickly now that they have him and he’s winning
— Travis P (@TPahhka) August 8, 2022
On Wednesday, Petty GMS will announce @NoahGragson as its driver of the No. 42 car for the 2023 season.
— Family Man (@TeamJGRfan) August 8, 2022
Realistically, it's Gragson. He has some cup experience that he can build off of already. But that's no fun. So, in a declaration that has no backing and is completely made up, it's Norm Benning to the 42
— The Buesch Man (@SadOriolesFan2) August 8, 2022
All joking aside, many fans believe that Gragson will be the driver inside the car. This is largely because he does have a fair bit of experience in the Cup Series.
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On the other hand, there are chances that if other factors come into play, it may tempt Gragson elsewhere.
To be precise, if the likes of Kaulig Racing fields a second Cup car on a full-time basis, he could be a contender for that seat.
What else did fans say about the Petty GMS Racing announcement?
In the event that a deal with Gragson does not work out, there is an outside shot for two other drivers. To be precise, Brett Moffitt and Zane Smith are ex GMS Racing drivers in the Truck Series. So they could be in contention for the #42 Cup Series seat as well. Some people even suggested that Corey LaJoie could be an interesting option.
I actually see Corey Lajoie driving this car, or he will be given the chance to drive the #8 because I’m confident Tyler Redick will move over to the 45
— Mel Whitlock (@Callmecoachwhit) August 9, 2022
What’s Carl Edwards doing these days?
— Zax (@ZaxCal) August 8, 2022
Time for Spencer Gallagher to come out of retirement
— Scott (@skendall25) August 8, 2022
Erik Jones new teammate is Kyle Busch
— Fiesta (@Fiesta91711429) August 8, 2022
As much as I dislike Gragson, this would be a big get for Petty. It would be great to see that organization running closer to the front.
— Miles Tuesday (@MilesTuesday) August 8, 2022
Others jokingly suggested that Carl Edwards or Spencer Gallagher could come out of retirement.
A few people even tried to drag Kyle Busch into the conversation, as his own contract issues are another hot topic. At the end of the day though, the majority of the people believe that if it is Noah Gragson in the #42 car, it will be a massive deal.
