The free agent list is strong right now in NASCAR. Arguably, the top ride everyone is waiting for his the No. 48 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports. That ride has won 83 races and seven championships over the last 19 years. Plus, it comes with a sponsor (Ally) and Rick Hendrick is known to pay handsomely.

So, who gets the seat?

I’d have to think Chase Briscoe is playing himself into the conversation. Yes, Justin Allgaier got the nod for the Brickyard 400 to replace Jimmie Johnson, but I can’t see Allgaier getting that seat full time starting in 2021.

Allgaier, was already at the track and drives for JR Motorsports, a team with close ties to HMS.

If HMS is going to hire someone in their 30s, you have to think that they’re going to go for someone like Brad Keselowski. If not, they’ll continue their younger theme.

Yes, Denny Hamlin was on a boat with Hendrick and Jeff Gordon a few weeks ago, but I just can’t see Hamlin picking up and leaving Joe Gibbs Racing in the best stretch of his racing career.

One driver that can make this whole thing interesting is Chase Briscoe. The current Xfinity Series points leader has already won five times this season alone, three of which coming in the last four races.

He doesn’t have a ride lined up for 2021. He set a goal of eight wins in 2020 which he said should help gain him a new contact somewhere. He’s three wins away from that with 20 races to go to reach it.

You know Ford and Stewart-Haas Racing doesn’t want to let him go but HMS makes a lot of sense to pry him away and pay him what he deserves.

But, SHR Competition Director, Greg Zipadelli, has served as Briscoe’s crew chief over the last month and got a first hand look at him. He would love nothing more to keep the Indiana native inside of the organization.

SHR has three openings on the Cup level next year. Kevin Harvick is the only one with a guaranteed contract for 2021. But, I can’t see them cutting ties with Cole Custer, especially with who his dad is within the team.

Aric Almirola is driving the best of his career and showing he’s deserving of another extension again. That leaves one seat. Does Clint Bowyer not get retained?

Rumor is Kyle Larson is getting serious attention for a Cup return in 2021 and with SHR. If so, that means the inn is full at SHR in Cup and leaves no room for Briscoe.

No way he comes back for a third year in NXS. So, a new team he’d have to seek. Why not HMS?

Keselowski could very well end up back at Penske. If not him, I can’t see them passing over Austin Cindric. If Hamlin does somehow leave JGR for HMS, JGR would just move Christopher Bell over.

Chip Ganassi Racing would be the next best seat available but they’re not ready to look at 2021 yet. They said there’s still a chance Matt Kenseth returns and if he doesn’t, you have to think that’s Ross Chastain’s seat. Ganassi made it clear they’re still committed to him for the long term and have big plans for the Florida native.

Now, you see why Briscoe put so much pressure on himself for this year. Winning eight times would make him a hard guy to pass over.

HMS may be the safest bet.