Team Penske has confirmed that it will run a third car in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for Ryan Blaney from 2018.
Blaney will move from the satellite Wood Brothers Racing to drive the #12 Ford alongside Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski.
It has also been confirmed that the Wood Brothers will field Paul Menard, who switches from the Chevrolet of Richard Childress Racing.
Included in the deal for second-generation racer is that crew chief Jeremy Bullins will stay with Blaney, while Greg Erwin will call the shots for Menard next year.
Blaney took his maiden NASCAR Cup victory at Pocono earlier this season, giving the famed Wood Brothers its 99th victory at the top level.
“It’s been nice to be with the Penske group since 2012, ever since I got into the NASCAR scene, to be building on something that was the main goal, you know, in the future,” said Blaney.
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“It’s obviously what we aspired to do ever since we got here. I would say it’s been a little bittersweet. It’s been great to drive for the Wood Brothers for two-and-a-half, going on three years now.
“It’s nice to be able to drive the #12 car and bring Penske a third in-house car. That’s special, to drive for Roger Penske. It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”
Just days ago, Penske confirmed a contract extension for Keselowski to ensure an enviable line-up in experience and all at the younger end of the age bracket.
The NASCAR silly season has been in full swing following the confirmation in April that this would be the final fulltime season for Dale Earnhardt Jr. The #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy will be piloted by Alex Bowman next season.
The other major announcement in recent weeks was that Erik Jones will replace former champion Matt Kenseth at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018. Kenseth has stated that he wishes to continue to race in 2018, but no ride has been confirmed.
Kenseth is not the only driver looking to secure his future, with last weekend’s winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kasey Kahne, also unconfirmed with a ride in 2018.
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