Kyle Larson lost his NASCAR ride after dropping the N-word in an online race; Bubba Wallace is the only African-American NASCAR Cup Series driver
Bubba Wallace has been offered a part ownership role with Richard Petty Motorsports. However, he might not take it…
In 2017, Bubba Wallace made his part-time NASCAR Cup Series debut with Richard Petty Motorsports. In 2018, a three-year deal was signed to drive the No. 43.
Ahead of New Hampshire, Bubba Wallace has collected 7 top-10’s. He’s run 96 NASCAR Cup Series races.
After the 2020 season, Bubba Wallace will be looking for a new ride or an extension. There’s only a few options left on the table.
One of those options includes the No. 42 with Chip Ganassi Racing. The car is currently driven by Matt Kenseth who came out of retirement in the 2020 season.
Related: NASCAR’s only African-American driver comments on Kyle Larson’s n-word usage
Kyle Larson loses No. 42 ride
At the start of the year, the No. 42 was driven by Kyle Larson. However, during the pandemic, multiple NASCAR drivers took to the online iRacing service to participate in virtual races.
During a digital race on the Monza oval, Larson was attempting to reach his spotter on a private audio channel. In the process, he used the n-word.
However, the audio was instead sent over the public channel. 60 drivers and thousands of racing fans heard Larson use the phrase.
Within hours, the dominoes started to fall. Larson was suspended by his team and NASCAR. Sponsors then began to drop Larson and Chip Ganassi Racing was forced to fire the young NASCAR superstar.
Larson has now re-found his footing in the world of dirt track racing. He’s gone on a never-ending streak of winning in midget and sprint car sanctioned events.
Related: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson drops N-word (Video)
Bubba Wallace exploring 2021 options
Wallace is in the final year with Richard Petty Motorsports. According to his agents, they are exploring new options.
“We have been approached by three other drivers inquiring about the No. 43 ride. One of which is a current star. However, our focus is on [Trying to renew] Bubba,” Richard Pretty Motorsports co-owner Andrew Murstein stated.
Regarding the No. 42, Kenseth is only confirmed for the No. 42 through the end of 2020. McDonalds is one of the primary sponsors on the No. 43 with RPM as well as the No. 42 fielded by CGR.
Per sources, the No. 42, previously driven by Larson is now being looked at as a potential option for Bubba Wallace in 2021.
Richard Petty Motorsports has confirmed that they have offered Bubba Wallace an ownership role of the RPM team. It’s likely the sponsors are going to wherever Wallace goes.
RPM recently signed Cash App as a new primary sponsor. It’s the company’s first time sponsoring an auto racing team.
Wallace has stated that he expects to have his 2021 plans formed by Mid-August 2020. With multiple offers on the table, he confirmed that the RPM team offered part ownership. However, he also stated that he owes it to himself to explore all options.
Related: Bubba Wallace responds to HATE from Donald Trump
NASCAR Cup Series rides still up for grabs in 2021
Car No | Team | Current Driver
No. 2
Team Penske
Brad Keselowski
No. 14
Stewart-Haas Racing
Clint Bowyer
No. 20
Joe Gibbs Racing
Erik Jones
No. 32
Go Fas Racing
Corey LaJoie
No. 42
Chip Ganassi Racing
Matt Kenseth
No. 43
Richard Petty Motorsports
Bubba Wallace
No. 48
Hendrick Motorsports
Jimmie Johnson
Related: Bubba Wallace is ‘pissed off’ that NASCAR fans draw hoax assumptions regarding noose
Links
Bubba Wallace | Kyle Larson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Richard Petty Motorsports | NASCAR
