Who Can Replace Jimmie Johnson, a Veteran or a Youngster?

Published 09/19/2020, 7:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Jimmie Johnson is in his nineteenth and last NASCAR Cup Series season as a full-time driver, as was declared in late 2019. He presently drives the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Hendrick Motorsports.

Jimmie Johnson has hustled with Hendrick Motorsports throughout his career and has won the 7 Cup Series titles with the group.

Jimmie Johnson has his arrangements for 2021 sorted. He will be driving in the IndyCar series from 2021 and can likewise participate in one-off races in the NASCAR Cup Series.

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Hendrick Motorsports still haven’t revealed Jimmie Johnson’s substitute for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. There are numerous names in contention for the coveted #48 seat.

Jimmie Johnson Shows Will to Excel in NASCAR Despite Not Being in Playoffs Scenario

Will a veteran racer replace Jimmie Johnson?

Rick Hendrick, the team owner would be looking for a veteran racer for the legendary seat. Right now, the three drivers are in their 20s. However, there are only a few veteran racers in NASCAR. Brad Keselowski signed a contract extension with Team Penske. Although, Denny Hamlin can be the one to replace Jimmie Johnson. He drives for Joe Gibbs Racing team. Denny had a contract extension in 2017 but the details were undisclosed.

Hendrick Motorsports can even consider Clint Bowyer. He drives for the Stewart-Haas Racing. Bowyer’s contract with the team is until 2020. The 41 years old veteran has over 500 starts in NASCAR Cup Series with 10 victories and over 200 top 10 finishes. He would be a great addition to the Hendrick Motorsports team if Stewart-Haas Racing decides not to renew his contract.

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Erik Jones is one name that has been linked to the seat as Joe Gibbs Racing hasn’t renewed Jones’ agreement.

Bubba Wallace could also supplant Jimmie Johnson as he won’t be returning to Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 2020 season will be his third and last season as the driver of the #43 Chevrolet for Richard Petty Motorsports.

Jimmie Johnson Might Be Back in NASCAR for One off Races in 2021

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USA Today via Reuters

Chase Briscoe is a genuine contender for a NASCAR Cup Series seat one year from now after winning 6 of the initial 22 NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2020.

Hendrick could likewise compete with a three-driver line-up for the next season.

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“As far as the No. 48 situation, I think that they’re really gonna have to look at the economics just like everybody else and see whether or not it’s cost-effective to continue to run four organizations,” said Spencer.

“I think we’re still in maybe that ‘Stay tuned’ (mode). There’s so many moving balls going on with the pandemic right now. Once things kind of get shook out a little bit, we’ll have a better idea of what’s gonna go on there.”

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Written by:

Abhay Aggarwal

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Abhay Aggarwal is sports analyst at EssentiallySports. Having joined ES in early 2020, he has over 300 NASCAR, Formula 1, and Tennis articles to his name. Abhay has been an avid motorsports fan for over a decade, and he even attended the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in 2011.
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