As Jimmie Johnson bids farewell to his career, one of the most popular rides in NASCAR is opening up. Rumors have swirled since Johnson’s initial announcement of his intent to retire, about who could take over the famed 48 machine. When one of the greatest NASCAR drivers decides to step away from the sport, it leaves incredibly large shoes to fill. The 2012 NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski could be the guy to fill those shoes.
Brad Keselowski Could Be The Guy
Coming off a Coca Cola 600 win, Brad is riding a wave of momentum. As his contract with Penske expires this offseason, rumors have begun to formulate about a potential move from Penske to Hendrick for Keselowski.
Keselowski was a prospect of the Hendrick/JR Motorsports camp back in 2008 & 2009. Similar to Christopher Bell and his current situation with JGR, Keselowski wanted and deserved a big-time ride, but the rides at Hendrick were filled. Keselowski ended up at Penske and became a champion, but his roots are at Hendrick. Many will wonder, “Well, Keselowski was a champion just a few years ago, why would he leave?” Well, prior to this season, Brad’s longtime crew chief Paul Wolfe, was shifted from the 2 camp over to Logano’s team.
When a championship winner at crew chief, who had been a tag team with Keselowski for years gets shifted to another team, it raises eyebrows. A move like that is often a foreshadower of an impending departure. As Penske looks to potentially build around 2018 Champion Joey Logano, and rising star, Ryan Blaney, with Austin Cindric waiting in the wings, Keselowski’s’ days at Penske could be numbered.
The former champion would bring a big name to Hendrick to pair with their 3 young up and comers, Chase Elliot, Alex Bowman, and William Byron. Keselowski would be a big veteran addition to Hendrick. Not only could Keselowski be a veteran to set an example for the other three, he would bring experience to the team along with his talent. The Penske relationship seems to be rocky, so now would presumably be the time for Rick Hendricks to swoop in and sign Bad Brad to pilot the 48 machine for the future.