Let's put this speculation to bed right now. NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth says he's not a candidate to take Danica Patrick's ride next year.
The two-time Daytona winner made this point clear during media day in Chicago this week. ESPN.com reports that while Kenseth has been exploring other teams since getting his release from Joe Gibbs Racing, one of those is not Stewart-Haas.
"Yeah, I mean, obviously they [JGR] didn't keep me where I was at, which would have been my first choice. There's been a few other rides that were open that were good rides that got filled with other people. So, you know, I don't really know at this minute what's going to happen for next season."
Patrick announced earlier this week that she would not be returning to Stewart-Haas Racing for 2018. Where she lands, if anywhere, is uncertain. No announcement has been made by the team as to her replacement, but Kenseth says it's not him. Asked if he could be ok with 2017 being his final season, he hedged.
"I didn't say that either. But I've said all along, I've done things I never dreamed I would have a chance to do. I never even thought I'd have a chance to race in the Cup Series full time before. I've been able to do that these years, have that success. I said 10 years ago if it all had to end that day, it was more than I ever dreamed of. It certainly has been way more than I ever dreamed of. Who knows what's going to happen next year."