Who Will Be the Spotters for Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and Other Top NASCAR Cup Drivers in 2021?

For the 2021 Cup Series season, NASCAR has unveiled a list of spotters for the drivers. Every driver needs a spotter to help them navigate the track, especially when trying to avoid accidents. With many drivers being shuffled around the grid, and Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, and Matt Kenseth retiring, crew chiefs and spotters may also have to move.

First and foremost, Erik Jones is set to reunite with Rick Carelli at Richard Petty Motorsports. Meanwhile, Stevie Reeves is set to follow Christopher Bell to Joe Gibbs Racing. Freddie Kraft follows Bubba Wallace to the newly-formed 23XI Racing team. Finally, Steve Barkdoll will follow Daniel Suarez to Team Trackhouse.

Which NASCAR drivers will get new spotters?

Chris Monez will move to Hendrick Motorsports to act as the spotter for Kyle Larson. Drew Herring will partner Martin Truex Jr for the coming Cup Series season. However, Truex’s former spotter, Clayton Hughes, will switch over to Michael McDowell.

In terms of the new kids on the block, Brandon McReynolds will link up with Ross Chastain at Chip Ganassi Racing. Corey LaJoie will rely on Geoff Doucette to help him keep out of trouble for the coming season. However, Chase Briscoe still does not know the identity of his spotter, though things will be clearer in the coming days.

Additionally, there are spotters like Earl Barban and Brett Griffin, whose statuses are unknown. Barban used to spot for Jimmie Johnson until the latter’s retirement at the end of the current campaign. It is also worth mentioning that Barban walked away from NASCAR, so it is likely that Hamlin will stay with Bowman.

Finally, it remains to be seen if Brett Griffin lands a spotter role somewhere in the NASCAR paddock. As it turns out, Griffin will only take on a part-time role, so it is all in the air. Whatever the case, all the puzzle pieces will surely fit into place before the 2021 season launches.