NASCAR's Changing of the Guard

The changing of the guard is well underway in the world of Monster Energy Cup Series racing. While the Joey Logano vs Kyle Busch donnybrook is getting all the ink, the real story very well be the young future stars who now seem poised to dominate NASCAR for years to come.

The sport have recently lost the likes of Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon, leaving a tremendous void for fans to fill. Many a NASCAR fan are still searching, who wore the 19, 24 or 14 colors proudly are now searching for new heroes. The first three races of the 2017 season are giving them lots of choices.

Let’s start with Kyle Larson. The 24 year old from Elk Grove, California has steered his number 42 Chip Ganassi Chevrolet to back to back 2nd place finishes. He currently sits 2nd in points, trailing leader Brad Keselowski by a mere single point. After making the Chase in 2016, Larson is now ready to be placed among NASCAR’s elite.

And how about Chase Elliott. Not only faced with the burden of having one of NASCAR’s all-time greats as a Father but also burdened by replacing one of the sports superstars in the #24 Hendrick Motor Sports Chevrolet. Those Jeff Gordon fans who invested their hard earned dollars on #24 paraphernalia may get to save a few dollars by sticking with the #24 team. Elliott currently sits 3rd in the point standings.

How cool is it to see a Woods Brothers Racing car run among the leaders. The #21 car has many memories for NASCAR fans. Seeing what the young Ryan Blaney is doing on the track of late, gives those old time fans of Woods Brothers Racing hope for a bright future. Blaney currently sits 6th in the point standings.

It seems so often we are seeing the #24, #42, and #21 car racing near the front and more often than not, racing together. Several times in Atlanta and again in Las Vegas we saw the #24 car and #42 car running side by side.

There are so many choices for those fans looking to “hook” up with a new favorite driver. Last season's XFINITY Champion, Daniel Suarez, a product of NASCAR's diversity program, will be a huge fan favorite in the years to come. The super talented and likeable Suarez, will be replacing the retired Carl Edwards in the #19 Joe Gibbs Toyota.

Edwards, Stewart and Gordon will surely be missed but the talent now ready for prime time offers many options for those searching for their favporites. .

Matt Kenseth was asked his feeling on NASCAR’s changing of the guard. Matt smiled and said, “Changing of the guard is great unless you’re the guard that’s getting changed.”

Thanks for reading. Listen to WTBQ radio on Monday and Friday mornings at 8:45 as I join Frank, Taylor and the Morning Show gang to discuss all the current happenings in NASCAR. 1110AM 93.5FM or online at WTBQ.COM. You can also follow me on twitter @JimLaplante.