What happened on the track this past week might not have been all that interesting in the NASCAR Cup Series, but there's been plenty to talk about what's happening off the track.
The rumors are plenty for what car Bubba Wallace is going to drive next season.
Richard Petty Motorsports announced last Thursday that Wallace informed the team he would not drive the No. 43 car after this season.
Since then, everything from him driving for Denny Hamlin to Daniel Suarez and Wallace trading rides has been written and discussed. A lot of people are wrong and someone might be correct.
What first came to mind to me was the No. 42 for Chip Ganassi Racing.
While RPM is a very recognizable NASCAR team, it's also one that will rarely be competing for a playoff spot.
Wallace has been able to land sponsorship deals and that has given him options for a better ride, leading to him stepping away from the iconic No. 43.
Ganassi seems to be the best option.
The deal with Gaunt Brothers Racing and Suarez was put together just before the season and hasn't been a fun one for Suarez.
If Wallace is going there, he must have all the confidence in the world in what Toyota and sponsors will be able to do for that team.
Kyle Larson was a championship contender in the No. 42 car. If Wallace is looking to prove that's what he can be, joining that team would provide him that opportunity.
III
I think we've found the Kevin Harvick of the Riley Racing Challenge. Last Saturday's race at Richmond marked the third straight win for Gene Patterson of Jefferson City. Patterson didn't have any drivers finish worse than Ryan Blaney in 19th. Chase Elliott taking fifth and Kyle Busch placing sixth added 50 bonus points to make the final total 901 points. The News Tribune sports staff had a solid week with picking drivers. Greg Jackson posted the top score with 878 points, with Tom Rackers close behind at 848 and me in third with 803. Jimmie Johnson's brush up with the wall cost Tom and I a chance to win last week. Just like with Daytona, keep an eye on the playoff bubble drivers. Clint Bowyer is only three points ahead of William Byron on the cutoff line for the Round of 12. Kurt Busch and Aric Almirola aren't too comfortable either, just seven points ahead of Byron. Cole Custer is sitting in 14th, eight points out of 12th. Matt DiBenedetto and Ryan Blaney might need a win being 25 and 27 points, respectively, out of 12th place.