BK Racing announces that neither David Ragan nor Matt DiBenedetto will drive for the team next season. The team has cleared their 2016 driver roster, leaving two empty seats for the 2017 season.
BK Racing Clears House; Releases Ragan and DiBenedetto
Matt DiBenedetto
In a press release team owner Ron Devine stated: “Our 33rd and 34th place finishes this year did not produce the results we were hoping to achieve. I am, however, very proud of Matt DiBenedetto and his many accomplishments over the past two years. He is a wonderful driver and a special person. I am confident that Matt will go on to be a very successful NASCAR driver, and I believe it is the right time to release him so that he can pursue other opportunities.” DiBenedetto, who posted four top 20 finishes in his 2 years at BK Racing, holds the teams best finish of sixth at the 2016 Spring Bristol race. DiBenedetto announced on his social media that he will be announcing his 2017 plans soon, and he is very excited.
I've decided to go in a different direction next year. Exciting announcements coming soon. It's been a great ride @BKRacing_2383 Thank you!
— Matt DiBenedetto (@mattdracing) December 8, 2016
David Ragan
Ragan posted two top 20 finishes in his one season at BK Racing. He would see his best finish of 16th at the Summer Daytona race. Ron Devine released this statement regarding Ragan: “BK Racing has agreed not to renew David Ragan’s contract for next year. Everyone wishes David the best of luck in his career.” Ragan, who joined the team last season following the closing of Michael Waltrip Racing, has not announced any 2017 plans as of yet. Ragan in his career posted two wins and 36 tops tens with multiple teams since 2007.
Possible Replacements
This now leaves the question, who will be named into BK Racing’s 2017 line up? With both seats being empty some speculate that former K&N Pro Series driver Dylan Lupton could be named to one of the seats. Lupton drove in three races with BK Racing: Sonoma, the fall Richmond, and the fall Martinsville race. Lupton’s best finish was a 25th place at Richmond.
Another driver poised to potentially take over one of the seats is Ryan Ellis. Ellis drove the #93 in two Sprint Cup races this season being the spring Richmond race and Indianapolis. Ellis would potentially bring his sponsor ScienceLogic over to the team. This sponsorship deal could make him a desirable choice for the team. Ellis’ best finish was a 32nd place finish at the Brickyard.
Another driver that could take over the ride is Jeffery Earnhardt. Earnhardt drove in three events for BK Racing last year. His best finish with the team came at Homestead with a 31st place result. Earnhardt drove those races with Starter Clothing on the car and it is unknown weather they would follow him to the team. Earnhardt is the son of NASCAR driver Kerry Earnhardt and the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
BK Racing is set to announce their 2017 NASCAR premier series lineup in the near future.
