Joe Gibbs Racing has confirmed the worst kept secret in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series paddock, announcing that Matt Kenseth will join its driver line-up next season.
The 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner will drive the #20 Toyota Camry with sponsorship from Dollar General and The Home Depot.
Kenseth, currently third in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings, replaces Joey Logano who has been dropped from the team’s Sprint Cup squad. Logano was offered a full-time ride in Gibb’s Nationwide Series team, but appears set to drive for Penske next year.
The team’s three-driver Cup lineup will now consist of Kenseth, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch.
Kenseth says that he will give his best for the remainder of 2012 with his current squad Roush Fenway Racing, which announced the impending end of their partnership – largely due to lack of sponsorship for the #17 entry – in late June.
“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 organisation 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.”
Team owner Gibbs says that Kenseth will add a new, competitive mix to his team of drivers.
“We are thrilled to be able to officially announce Matt will join Joe Gibbs Racing starting at the conclusion of this season,” said Gibbs.
“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 organisation, especially Denny and Kyle.”
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