Last Tuesday, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Alex Bowman will replace Jimmie Johnson in 2021 and Greg Ives will move to the no, 48 car with him
This decision will have a negative effect on the team’s no. 88 team’s future.
Erik Jones and Kyle Larson are the two most likely candidates to sign. I’d say Jones has a 35 percent chance and Larson has a 5 percent chance respectively because sponsorship is a well-known concern that could ultimately cause them not to be full-time in Cup in 2021. Noah Gragson hasn’t shown that he’s ready for the Cup Series yet; but he has the much-needed income from multiple sponsors. He is the most likely choice for the no. 88.
Jones faces an interesting decision following Gaunt Brother’s Racing announcing their involvement with Toyota Racing Development will increase next season. The team has been rumored to nab Brandon Jones or Harrison Burton to drive the no. 96. Although those two drivers aren’t marquee, Jones could ultimately end up in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and could replace Denny Hamlin or Martin Truex Jr. when either driver retires.
