The suspense around Bubba Wallace’s next destination in NASCAR still persists. However, one piece of the puzzle was solved on Thursday after Richard Petty Motorsports announced that Bubba Wallace will not return to the team next year.

“Earlier this morning, Darrell ‘Bubba’ Wallace Jr., informed Richard Petty Motorsports he will not be returning for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season,” read a statement from the team.

“We will complete the season with Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We look forward to the next chapter in the making for the iconic No. 43 team. We will announce our new driver in the near future,” it continued.

Bubba Wallace to Chip Ganassi Racing

Earlier this year, Wallace said that he is considering an offer from Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) along with Richard Petty Motorsports. Now, that move seems highly likely keeping Thursday’s announcement in mind.

Wallace’s hat is very well in the running for the No. 42 car at Chip Ganassi Racing, previously driven by Kyle Larson. CGR is another Chevrolet-backed team, which makes things all the more easier.

The current No. 42 driver, Matt Kenseth, said that he does not have any plans for the next season. Kurt Busch holds the other spot at CGR and he has no plans of retiring anytime soon.

Wallace is also a part-owner in Richard Petty Motorsports, making his exit a bit surprising. In addition, Wallace recently signed a number of sponsorship deals as well.

Those sponsors could move with him and contribute to the team that Wallace ends up in, a prospect that will leave the teams on his radar overtly ecstatic.

Is Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 car an option?

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Wallace could also be considered for the iconic No. 48 car at Hendrick Motorsports that was left vacant in the wake of Jimmie Johnson’s defection to IndyCar.

As Wallace takes up free agency, fellow free agent drivers like Erik Jones and Kyle Larson are being billed as the top contenders to replace the 26-year-old at Richard Petty Motorsports.

With nine races to go, Wallace will look to add to his five Top-10 finishes this year.