Aric Almirola announced on Friday that he will be out of competition for 8-12 weeks, after fracturing his T5 vertebra in his back.
Below are some potential replacements that will be filling the void in the Richard Petty Motorsports 43 car in the coming weeks.
Regan Smith
The first driver suggested is the one that will be taking the reins of the car this weekend at Charlotte. Regan Smith was previously chosen to be the replacement driver at the All-Star weekend.
Smith could definitely continue running with the 43 crew. Not only does he have the cup experience, but he also has the time to do so.
Smith signed with RBR Enterprises to run 10-12 Truck races with the team this year, leaving a lot of openings in his schedule.
Darrell Wallace Jr.
Perhaps the replacement NASCAR fans want to see the most is Darrell Wallace Jr., aka Bubba.
Wallace sits in 4th place in the Xfinity Series standings with his Roush Fenway Racing entry so far.
Given his success, Wallace could be the next drive who gets a call.
Jeb Burton
Just a year ago, Jeb Burton was at Richard Petty Motorsports as their only Xfinity driver, however Burton was forced to end his season early due to lack of sponsorship.
Maybe Richard Petty still has him on speed dial.
Michael Annett
Another Former RPM Xfinity driver Michael Annett is another option for RPM.
Annett raced for Petty during his bigger stint in the Xfinity Series, before trying his hand in the Monster Energy Cup.
Annett now races for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, where he currently sits sixth in series standings.
Matt Crafton
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Matt Crafton subbed in for Aric Almirola in August of 2015 at Michigan International Speedway.
Crafton is third in the Trucks standings, and could definitely find Crafton to sub in for a race or two.
Boris Said
With the 8-12 week timetable, there is a possibility that Almirola will be out of his ride for not one, but both of the road races on the schedule.
That means Boris Said’s name has to be brought up.
For years, Said has been a popular fill-in driver for the road courses, where he thrives.
His last race in the Cup Series was at Watkins Glen in 2016, where he finished 24th.
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