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Sports

Kenseth signs with Joe Gibbs Racing to drive No. 20 car

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Huntersville, NC – To no one's surprise, Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Tuesday that Matt Kenseth will drive the No. 20 Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series, beginning in 2013.

Kenseth had been widely rumored to join JGR next year since he revealed in June that he was leaving Roush Fenway Racing at season's end. He will replace Joey Logano, who is expected to sign with Penske Racing to drive the No. 22 car for the upcoming season.

"Surprise," Kenseth said when he was introduced at JGR's headquarters.

Crew chief Jason Ratcliffe as well as sponsors The Home Depot and Dollar General will remain with the No. 20 team next year. Neither the length nor the financial terms of Kenseth's contract with JGR were disclosed.

Kenseth, the 2003 champion in NASCAR's premier series, has been with Jack Roush's team since his 2000 rookie-of-the-year season. He has 22 race wins to his credit, including victories in the 2009 and 2012 Daytona 500s. Kenseth officially clinched a spot in this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup championship after the Aug. 25 race at Bristol. He is currently third in the point standings.

"I'm excited to announce what the next chapter in my career will be," Kenseth said. "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 will team with Denny Hamlin, who drives the No. 11 car, and Kyle Busch, who is behind the wheel of the No. 18.

"We are thrilled to be able to officially announce Matt will join Joe Gibbs Racing, starting at the conclusion of this season," team owner Joe Gibbs said. "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."