UPDATE: As it turns out. AJ Almendinger is now slated to drive for Penske. It is speculated by www.jayski.com that Ragan could drive for Richard Petty Motorsports. By Pete PistoneDavid Ragan is the leading candidate to take the place of Kurt Busch in the Penske Racing stable.Several sources have confirmed the Roush Fenway Racing driver will be named the new pilot of the Shell/Pennzoil Dodge when news of Busch’s official departure from the team is announced on Monday.Ragan was out of a Cup ride when sponsorship issues forced team owner Jack Roush to shrink from four to three Sprint Cup entries next season. He had been linked to Front Row Motorsports or to a possible Nationwide team for 2012.But with the decision to part ways with Busch made, Penske has reportedly reached out to Ragan as his replacement.While Roush still holds an option on Ragan’s contract it is not expected to be a stumbling block to allow his move to join Penske.There are other experienced Sprint Cup drivers without rides in 2012 available to Penske including David Reutimann and Brian Vickers. Penske also has the option of returning Sam Hornish Jr. to the Cup level after the former Indy Car star’s success this year in the Nationwide Series.Source: http://eye-on-nascar.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/19681720/33701559
Related: “Here’s Hoping This Is A Rumor: Kurt Busch Possibly Fired”