#5 Matt Dibendetto
Matt DiBenedetto might not sound like a name worthy enough to take over the #1 Monster Energy Chevrolet, but this could be his best opportunity to get into victory lane. Between coming up short countless times in the last two seasons, and improving steadily as he goes, the Italian Stallion could be the perfect guy for the spot.
#4 Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola is very much a driver at a crossroads in his Cup Series career and heading to GCR could be the next step. Stewart Haas Racing signed Almirola to a 1-year extension through 2021, but his performance has been steadily dropping. Almirola hasn t even made it out of the first round of the playoffs in the last two years, and he is in top-grade equipment.
With that being said, Almirola is a sort of veteran after an extended time in the Cup Series and could bring a veteran-like anchor to CGR. He would be a great mentor for Ross Chastain as he enters the second year of his Cup career and might even revive his own career in the process.
#3 Erik Jones
It s no secret that Erik Jones didn t deserve to be ousted by Joe Gibbs Racings at the end of the 2020 season, and he now needs to make sure the team regrets it. Although Jones will be relegated to Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2020 season, he will be a free agent again in 2022. That means CGR could snatch him up and make everyone regret not taking another chance on him.
Think about it! Erik Jones has two wins, 33 top-fives, and 63 top-tens. That might not sound like great numbers, but he was a consistent driver.
#2 Ryan Newman
If Chip Ganassi wants a veteran to anchor the team heading into 2022, then Ryan Newman is the guy they need. Not only is that clear by his veteran role at Roush Fenway Racing, but also just how good this man has been throughout his career. Keep in mind, this guy made it to the final four in 2015 without even winning a race, and almost won the championship.
#1 Noah Gragson
Believe it or not, Noah Gragson could be the future of Chip Ganassi Racing, and could even nab them a championship if given enough time to develop. This would not be a good move if CGR wants a veteran at the helm for the team, but it could be a good one if they want to try something new. Again, it will be a rocky road at first, but Noah Gragson at CGR could have a major upside.
Keep in mind that Noah Gragson finished with a season total of two wins, 17 top-fives, 25 top-tens, and an average finish of 8.8. In all honesty, that s the kind of consistency Chip Ganassi Racing needs right now
