By ,
Published November 20, 2014
As expected, Joey Logano is heading to Penske Racing to drive the No. 22 Ford in the Sprint Cup Series, starting next year.
Penske announced on Tuesday that Logano has signed a multi-year agreement with the team. The announcement came hours after Joe Gibbs Racing introduced Matt Kenseth as driver of the No. 20 Toyota for the 2013 Sprint Cup season. Logano has driven the No. 20 car for JGR since his 2009 rookie-of-the-year season.
Logano will become the fourth different driver in Penske's No. 22. Sam Hornish Jr. has been driving car on an interim basis since A.J. Allmendinger was placed on suspension by NASCAR the first weekend in July for violating its substance abuse policy. Allmendinger was later released from the team after he failed his second drug test and therefore had his NASCAR suspension status elevated from temporary to indefinite. Allmendinger replaced Kurt Busch in the 22 following Busch's release from the team at the end of the 2011 season.
Penske is switching from Ford to Dodge starting next season. Shell-Pennzoil will continue its sponsorship with the No. 22 team.
"I am very excited to join Penske Racing and begin the next phase of my career," Logano said in a team statement. "I am looking forward to the opportunity, as it will be an honor to drive for Roger Penske and race for wins and championships. I am also proud to represent Shell-Pennzoil, as they are a respected global brand that does a great job of activating in the sport on and off the track."
Logano, 22, has won two Sprint Cup races, with his most recent victory in June at Pocono. Currently 18th in points, Logano is one of several drivers battling for a wild card position in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Saturday's race at Richmond is the last event of the regular season. The Chase begins on Sept. 16 at Chicagoland.
"Joey Logano is a very talented driver who has already achieved a lot of success at a young age," team president Tim Cindric said. "Joey is a great fit for our organization, and we look forward to building on his success, as he takes his place behind the wheel of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford."
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/logano-joining-penske-racing-for-2013-season