Every Silly Season has some intrigue, but when the most popular driver in NASCAR walks away, that kicks the speculation up another notch.
When the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season rolls around, we’re going to be living in a world without Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the track. But somebody still has to drive his car.
The future of the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet is by far the most interesting piece of the upcoming Silly Season puzzle, the seat that could be the domino that sets other moves in motion. Based on reports around the NASCAR world, it could be filled by any number of drivers, from established stars to veterans to guys looking for their first real break at the Cup Series level.
In no particular order, let’s run down the names that have been attached to the 88 ride and see why they may or may not succeed Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick.
Brad Keselowski
Why he makes sense: If Rick Hendrick wants someone who would be an upgrade from Earnhardt (sorry Junior Nation, but it’s true), Keselowski would allow him to make the biggest possible splash. he’s a bona fide championship contender, one who could even carry the flag for the team several years from now when Jimmie Johnson follows Dale Jr. into retirement. We’re assuming that will happen someday, anyway.
Why he might not: There’s no real downside here, but it’s unlikely that Team Penske and Ford would let Kes get away. He’s recently made comments about wanting to remain with Penske and his team re-signed his crew chief. This seems like a pipe dream.
Alex Bowman
Why he makes sense: He has Earnhardt’s personal endorsement, which has to count for something. Bowman already serves as a testing driver for the Hendrick organization and subbed for Earnhardt last year while he was out with a concussion, so there’s a level of familiarity that goes beyond what the team would get bringing in someone from the outside, one that may lessen any adjustment period.
Why he might not: Does Hendrick really want to turn over such a high profile ride to someone who isn’t even competing regularly at the XFINITY Series level? Bowman would also come with serious sponsorship questions, as it’s easy to imagine companies not being sold on someone who’s mostly a non-entity in the sport in 2017 and would feel like a possible seat-filler until another driver emerged.
Matt Kenseth
Why he makes sense: Pedigree is no issue, as Kenseth has won pretty much everything worth winning at NASCAR’s highest level at one point or another. Like Keselowski, he’d potentially even be a slight upgrade from Earnhardt and would give the 88 a shot at making the 2018 playoffs, though it should be noted that Kenseth has yet to win in 2017. More than anything, he’s likely to be available as his seat at Joe Gibbs Racing could go to Erik Jones.
Why he might not: At 45, Kenseth is older than Earnhardt and Johnson, so this wouldn’t be a move with the future in mind. Sponsorship could be an issue for him too. Put simply, it wouldn’t be the sexiest hire, that’s for sure.
William Byron
Why he makes sense: While there are already a few drivers at the Cup Series level who look poised to be the “Next Big Thing,” the 19-year-old belongs on that list as well. There would be some nice symmetry for Junior, who was once the sport’s most notable young gun, to hand things over to a kid with lots of talent. He’s already under contract to Hendrick, and sponsors would know he’s around for the long haul.
Why he might not: Maybe a little too green, in the sense that he hasn’t even won an XFINITY Series race yet. You just get the sense that his ideal path would lead him to the Cup Series in 2019 after a potential championship run at that level next season. Also has been linked more to another Hendrick car, the No. 5, if the team decides to part ways with the declining Kasey Kahne.
Kyle Larson
Why he makes sense: Why wouldn’t you want Kyle Larson in one of your cars? Having already made what Bill Simmons would call “The Leap,” Larson is one of the hottest drivers in the sport. He’s already in the Chevrolet camp as well, and while he might not be available (see below), you need to ask if there’s even a chance that he is.
Why he might not: Is he even a free agent? Chip Ganassi Racing does not announce the terms of its driver deals, but the suspicion is that Larson is already locked up beyond 2017. And besides, CGR would probably empty the vault to keep him around at this point, because you don’t let blossoming superstars walk away if you can help it.
Next: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s next move could be to the broadcast booth
Carl Edwards
Why he makes sense: After stepping away from NASCAR while still at the height of his powers, citing family and health concerns, Edwards has remained a source of fascination for fans and the media. It would be a super splashy move to lure him out of his brief retirement (not that he’s ever used that word) and likely have the 88 running up front right away.
Why he might not: An Edwards return is even more wishful thinking than snagging Keselowski or Larson. There hasn’t been any indication that he’s even considering driving next year, and he’s hinted that contract stipulations would mean he;d have to come back with JGR anyway. Don’t think this is happening … but you never know for sure with Silly Season.