Another rumor has fallen off the NASCAR rumor mill. The speculation is over. Kasey Kahne is officially out of the No. 5 Hendrick car and many believe he could make the jump to the No. 10 if Danica retires at the end of this season–but is that a realistic expectation? Kahne isn’t exactly a sponsorship magnet at the moment, so it may just be a dream on the minds of many who would have liked to see him part ways with a Cup ride on better grounds.
With William Byron taking over from Kasey Kahne next year, the changing of the guard continues as more teams recruit ‘young guns’; leaving a few veterans out on the track with uncertain futures. There is a more pressing matter right now—and it’s the question of the playoffs, and ultimately, the championship title. The debate on the current state of NASCAR continues and fans shared their valuable opinions during our weekly Twitter Chat about the playoffs, their choice for Cup Rookie of the Year, and who will most likely drive the No. 10 next year if Danica Patrick retires.
Below are links to our top 5 Twitter questions and also a few responses. Every Monday, we will host a #NASCARTalk Twitter party at 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST. Join us for some NASCAR talk. Have something to say? We would love to hear from you! Join the conversation on our next Twitter chat and tweet us a comment.
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Question 1: Who do you think will drive the No. 5 car next year? Who would you like to see drive it?
Q1: Who do you think will drive the No. 5 car next year?
Who would you like to see drive it? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) August 7, 2017
Answers:
I think William Byron will be the obvious pick. I can’t see a veteran getting in the ride.
— Kenneth Lee (@FrontRowKenny) August 7, 2017
Byron; Kenseth
— Renee (@rb218) August 7, 2017
I think Byron, I also think too soon but owners seem to be padding the stables with the young drivers and out with the veterans!
— MenInTreestands (@RHinesPAHunter) August 7, 2017
Think? William Byron. Like? William Byron. That kid is good! I hate to see drivers forced out, hope Kahane finds a ride.
— Pam Durkin (@CoachPDurk) August 7, 2017
Byron needs a yr or 2 to develop in xfinity, Rick would be smart to put @mattdracing in the 5 for 2 yrs and save on cost over Matt or Kurt
— loose lugnut (@Loose_lug_nut) August 7, 2017
It could be Kenseth for a year but I think William Byron will get the ride and run select Xfinity races for JR Motorsports. #NASCAR
— Daily NASCAR Scoop (@NASCARDaily) August 7, 2017
#WillyB on all counts
— GraydonBunn (@SmoothOper88or) August 7, 2017
I would like to see William Byron drive it but suspect it will be 2019 before he does. Expect Matt Kenseth to drive it next year
— Larry Lee (@lblee58) August 7, 2017
I think it will be @mattkenseth.
Would love to see @BubbaWallace In the 5, but I am biased in that regard— ryan goodrum (@ryan_goodrum) August 8, 2017
Question 2: Who is your pick for Rookie of the Year? Daniel Suarez, Erik Jones, Ty Dillon, or Gray Gaulding?
Q2: Who is your pick for Rookie of the Year? Daniel Suarez, Erik Jones, Ty Dillon, or Gray Gaulding?
Who deserves to be ROY? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) August 7, 2017
Answers:
At first I expected Jones hands down, but Suarez has impressed. Not sure how the compare stat wise, but Danny Boy is looking https://t.co/jXJAxOjqfN
— NASCAR OPINION (@nascar_opinion) August 7, 2017
Suarez. He may be hitting his stride.
— Greg Clark (@gclarktweets2) August 7, 2017
Too early to say IMO, but I go w/Suarez due to stage win last wknd.
— Dave Harris (@GiveMeAProject) August 7, 2017
I think Suarez has this locked up.
— The Rooster (@Orange__White) August 7, 2017
@erik_jones WILL win it. He’s from Michigan, and everyone knows he’s the best out there.
— Stephen McGlinchey (@Scuba_Steve111) August 8, 2017
Suarez. He’s having a pretty solid year. That run he just had at the Glen lines up with some of the best rookie races in history.
— Justin Bradley (@2JustinBradley) August 7, 2017
@Daniel_SuarezG will be the rookie of the year #NASCAR #ToyotaRacing #JGR19 #NASCARTalk
— Racing Simulator X (@eglobalracing) August 7, 2017
Suarez
— avery duck (@specialkitty2me) August 7, 2017
Erik Jones!
— tiffany (@tiffanyshandell) August 7, 2017
I voting for he mullet! Erik Jones. But Suarez probably will get it….. deserves? Gualding! Doing well in inferior equip!
— Pam Durkin (@CoachPDurk) August 7, 2017
Question 3: Which veteran driver will NOT make the playoffs? Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, or Clint Bowyer?
Q3: Which veteran driver will NOT make the playoffs? Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, or Clint Bowyer? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) August 7, 2017
Answers:
The way he’s been finishing lately, McMurray won’t make the cut. He’s trending down, hard. #NASCARTalk https://t.co/ja6H2Oqsgw
— Donnie S. (@TheDingoDad) August 7, 2017
McMurray looking at the way things have gone recently
— Tim Wagner (@timwagner66) August 7, 2017
Probably McMurray.
— Greg Clark (@gclarktweets2) August 7, 2017
Gotta say Bowyer
— GraydonBunn (@SmoothOper88or) August 7, 2017
Bowyer >> https://t.co/EH6RKBOaxe
— Childish RedBone (@DonDelarente) August 7, 2017
Of those 3: McMurray. The 20 has enough speed. And it’s a career trait of Bowyer to somehow eek his way into the playoffs then run better.
— Renee (@rb218) August 7, 2017
I’d have 2 say McMurray
— Sandra Ferguson (@38Sandy48) August 7, 2017
Question 4: With 4 regular season races left, can Dale Jr. win to get in the playoffs?
Q4: With 4 regular season races left can Dale Jr. win to get in the playoffs? #NASCARTalk pic.twitter.com/zDpr0ZUOP9
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) August 7, 2017
Answers:
Unfortunately not. But if he does, how far realistically will he get in the chase. The 88 just not been good enough
— MOATF Podcast (@moatfpodcast) August 8, 2017
No chance – hate to say it, but he looks like he’s mentally retired already & is just on his farewell tour.
— RealSports&MovieGuru (@TheRealSportsG2) August 7, 2017
nope not happening
— Michael McMannis (@JGfan24ever) August 7, 2017
All signs point to no….. https://t.co/bbjS2YlDZq
— Andrew K (@COSportsNut) August 7, 2017
Never say never but unless they win one with fuel mileage or the top 15 cars wreck on the final lap.. i dont seee it
— Danny Swanson (@DannySwanson90) August 7, 2017
Question 5: Is Danica really done? If so, who drives the No. 10 car in 2018?
Q5: Is Danica really done?
If so, who drives the No. 10 car in 2018? #NASCARTalk
— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) August 7, 2017
Answers:
Kahne will be in the 10 car next year.
— SHRFan4Life30 (@ScottyStyles29) August 7, 2017
I think she’s out at SHR. She may remain in NASCAR but possibly Xfinity? Kahne or Almirola could replace her.
— Daily NASCAR Scoop (@NASCARDaily) August 7, 2017
Danica is racing scared. It’s time for her to go.
— Sandra J Barnes (@sandrajbarnes) August 8, 2017
Cole Custer
— Chance Martinez (@MartinezChance1) August 7, 2017
She was done before she started. Probably Kasey kahne if they get sponsorship
— Red Beard (@Pirate0216) August 7, 2017
Tags Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Jr. Danica Patrick Hendrick Motorsports Kasey Kahne NASCAR NASCAR Playoffs Twitter William Byron
