TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - JUNE 22: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 Victory Junction Chevrolet, gives a thumbs up prior to the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on June 22, 2020 in Talladega, Alabama. A noose was found in the garage stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway a week after the organization banned the Confederate flag at its facilities. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - JUNE 22: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 Victory Junction Chevrolet, gives a thumbs up prior to the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on June 22, 2020 in Talladega, Alabama. A noose was found in the garage stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway a week after the organization banned the Confederate flag at its facilities. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
#23 23XI Racing #43 Legacy Motor Club All News Bubba Wallace Cup News

Bubba Wallace to drive for Denny Hamlin next season?

September 19, 2020 at 6:13 PM

UPDATE 2: Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, speaking on Race Hub says rumors continue to point to Bubba Wallace going to a new team, formed in part by Denny Hamlin.

How the deal would work:

  • Hamlin would get approval from NASCAR to own the team (an option that has not been allowed under previous NASCAR interpretations of the four car team limit)
  • Hamlin would form a new team (with our without the involvement of Michael Jordan).
  • The Germain Racing charter would be purchased.
  • The new team would use cars from Leavine Family Racing, which will cease to operate at the end of the season.
  • Toyota would provide increased technical support.

Signs seem to point in the direction of a deal being solidified by the end of September at this point.

UPDATE: Statement from Richard Petty Motorsports:

Earlier this morning, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., informed Richard Petty Motorsports he will not be returning for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season. We will complete the season with Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We look forward to the next chapter in the making for the iconic No. 43 team. We will announce our new driver in the near future.

— Richard Petty Motorsports —

AND: Statement from Bubba Wallace:

To see how all the changes impact next season, see Jayski’s 2021 Team/Driver chart.

HOWEVER: The Associated Press’ Jenna Fryer says Wallace does not have a contract offer from Ganassi or Hendrick at the current time:

ORIGINAL POST: The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reports that Bubba Wallace will not return to Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) in 2021.

Rumors about Wallace’s future plans have swirled all summer.  RPM has acknowledged they offered Wallace partial ownership in the team to stay. Outside investors have also reportedly considered joining the team in some capacity.

Wallace is believed to have an offer from Chip Ganassi for the #42 Chevy, but is also rumored to be a candidate for the Hendrick Motorsports #48 to replace Jimmie Johnson.

AND: Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass has confirmed the news as well: