Why Daniel Suarez Could Be a Strong Contender to Replace Bubba Wallace at Richard Petty Motorsports
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With Bubba Wallace set to part ways with Richard Petty Motorsports, the focus now is on Wallace’s destination for the next season and finding a successor for him at Richard Petty Motorsports.
The rumor mill is running amok with whispers as far as different names in contention are concerned. One of the names floating around the RPM seat is that of Daniel Suarez.
Richard Petty Motorsports’ co-owner, Andrew Murstein, recently said that he is looking at Kyle Larson as an option to replace Wallace. Surprisingly, he also named ARCA Menards Series’ 19-year-old Hailie Deegan as another option.
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Who else could replace Bubba Wallace?
But according to leading NASCAR reporter David Smith, Suarez could very well end up at RPM. “One driver that comes to mind that’s a more sensible replacement for Bubba Wallace is Daniel Suarez,” Smith said during an episode on the ‘Positive Regression’ podcast with FOX Sports’ Alan Cavanna.
“He is a free agent going into the 2021 season. He’s driving for Gaunt Brothers Racing right now. That car ranks as the 31st fastest in central speed in the Cup Series. RPM has the 25th fastest car,” he added.
Earlier this year, Suarez joined Gaunt Brothers Racing’s No. 96 team. He previously raced for the Cup Series giants, Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart Haas Racing.
How can the move help Suarez?
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Smith explains why the move could still help his Cup Series career.
“While this isn’t the caliber of Joe Gibbs Racing or Stewart Haas, the teams Suarez is familiar with, this does represent a small upgrade. And could be the way he gets his Cup Series career back on track,” Smith expressed.
While speaking about the options of Larson and Deegan, Murstein said, “I’m looking at drivers like Hailie Deegan, coming up through the ranks. I would have a heart to heart with Kyle Larson to see if he’s worthy of a second chance.”
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Meanwhile, Suarez is in his fourth full-time NASCAR Cup Series season. He raced for Stewart Haas Racing in 2019 and had two full seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing before that. His best result is a second-place finish, and he has eight Top-5 appearances.
Richard Petty Motorsports Co-Owner Reveals Interesting Options to Replace Bubba Wallace