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Chris Buescher’s future could become much clearer this week

This potentially could be one of the most pivotal weeks of Chris Buescher’s racing career.

According to multiple reports, Buescher is due to meet this week with Roush Fenway Racing team co-owner Jack Roush about the 2016 season.

Among the options likely to be discussed are:

* Whether Buescher will return to the Xfinity Series next season to defend the 2015 championship for RFR.

* Whether he’ll be promoted full time to the Sprint Cup Series with RFR.

* Whether he’ll remain in the Xfinity Series but also run a number of Cup races for RFR or potentially another Cup team such as Front Row Racing, where he ran six races in 2015.

* Whether Buescher may explore other opportunities that have arisen recently. He previously has been mentioned as a possibility for fellow Ford team Richard Petty Motorsports, which still hasn’t named a driver for its No. 9 Fusion next season (team owner Richard Petty said Sam Hornish Jr. won’t return).

At least one thing seems certain: Buescher definitely will spend time in Sprint Cup.

“He will be involved in a Cup car to some extent, but whether it’s a part-time program or a full program, we’re still in the midst of finalizing the conditions today,” Roush said at Homestead-Miami Speedway after Buescher clinched the championship. “We’ve got a number of possibilities, but we’re not ready to announce that today.”

While racing in Sprint Cup is his aspiration, Buescher isn’t against returning to the Xfinity circuit, if that’s what happens.

“I’ve been clear, I’m not in a rush,” he said. “… If that’s what it brings (a promotion to Sprint Cup full-time), then I’ll do my best to prepare for it and be ready. And if not, we’ll go try and double up on these Xfinity championships.”

According to PopularSpeed.com, Buescher said at the Xfinity Series championship celebration last week in Hollywood, Fla., that “some things have developed,” but Roush hadn’t provided specifics.

Buescher’s crew chief, Scott Graves, welcomes the idea of Buescher returning and running for another Xfinity crown.

“There’s obviously going to be some really good people coming up in good equipment next year,” Graves said. “For sure it’s going to be a challenge. I’d love to have the opportunity to go back and try, though.”

Follow @JerryBonkowski