Matt Kenseth Joins Joe Gibbs Racing
Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth will join Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013. (HHP/Harold Hinson Photo)
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, was officially introduced as the new driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota today during a press conference at the JGR headquarters.
“We are thrilled to be able to officially announce Matt will join Joe Gibbs Racing starting at the conclusion of this season,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “Everyone knows what he has accomplished in our sport as a champion and a consistent winner. He is well respected in the garage and his experience and knowledge will be extremely beneficial to our entire organization, especially Denny and Kyle.”
The multi-year deal sees Kenseth move from the No. 17 at Roush Fenway Racing into the No. 20 at JGR, where he will be sponsored by The Home Depot and Dollar General. Kenseth has spent 13 years driving for Roush Fenway, amassing 22 Sprint Cup victories during his time with the team.
Jason Ratcliff will remain as crew chief of the No. 20 next season when Kenseth takes over the car.
“I’m excited to announce what the next chapter in my career will be,” said Kenseth. “I remain totally committed to this season and working with my current team toward a championship and having this settled will only help my focus. JGR is an impressive organization with tremendous leadership and strong support from sponsors like Dollar General and The Home Depot. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to move from one great situation into another starting in 2013.”
Kenseth replaces Joey Logano in the No. 20 Toyota. Logano has driven the No. 20 for four years and earned two Sprint Cup victories during that time period. He also has 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series victories in JGR equipment.
Logano is expected to be announced as the new driver of the No. 22 Penske Racing entry in 2013 in the near future.
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion, has already been announced as Kenseth’s replacement in the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford next season.
Posted by NSSN Staff
on Sep 4 2012 Filed under Latest Headlines, NASCAR, Sprint Cup, Top Stories.
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