Who I Think Should "Replace" Wallace

Wallace during driver intros @ CotA. Image: 23XI Twitter

Bubba Wallace had a horrible day during Sunday's EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix 250. Wallace slid into the rear of the 5 of Kyle Larson on lap 10 putting a very early end to his day. Wallace's contact with the 5 car led to a broken toe link and a broken oil line which may have been the cause for the seeming lack of brakes on the #23. Even the broadcasters pointed out something was likely wrong with the breaks on the 23 as he entered the turn way too fast.

When Wallace brought his MoneyLion #23 Camry into the garage and after exiting his car showed immediate displeasure with the outcome. Wallace smacked his car's buckled-up hood hard enough that the cameras nearby picked up the sound of the impact.

During his interview with Fox Sports, Wallace voiced his frustration pretty clearly. "Just trying my hardest not to go down the slippery slope of self-doubt here. Two weeks in a row of making rookie mistakes 6 years into Cup, need to be replaced."

So Who Could Replace Him?

So let's amuse the people who think this is a reality. We all know he's not going anywhere anytime soon. But it doesn't hurt to have fun and speculate. So, who could replace Wallace in a fast, closing-in on top-tier Toyota? I've got an opinion on this of course.

​1.) John Hunter Nemechek.

• Now I'm sure he is on the shortlist to replace Martin Truex Jr in the 19 if he does decide this is it, but JHN would be one hell of a choice if he was given great equipment and time to build. Plus he is already in the Toyota camp. ​

2.) Corey LaJoie.

• Corey is now 6 races into the season and has beyond impressed in the #7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. 6 races in and he currently sits 13 points into the playoffs, 16th in points. Corey has shown what he can do in a subpar or a growing team... Imagine what he could do in a winning car.

3.) Denny Hamlin.

• Co-owner of the #23 Camry, Denny Hamlin may have a hard time replacing FedEx at the end of their contract with Joe Gibbs Racing (this season). The shipping giant is experiencing some serious financial issues and making huge cuts all over. Denny may hold his racing future in his own hands.

4.) Unknown Road Course Ringer.

• With the introduction of the next gen car last season. We have seen an influx of drivers from other disciplines wanting an opportunity to run a race or two in NASCAR again. Could we see a driver like a Kimi Raikkonen, Jordan Taylor or a Travis Pastrana throw their hat into the ring for a 1 off full time season? Maybe go the rout of Ambros or Montoya for a few seasons?

​By: Tom Luttermoser