Matt Kenseth Will Replace Kyle Larson At Chip Ganassi Racing For Remainder Of 2020
by Hunter Thomas April 27, 2020 0 commentsChip Ganassi Racing announced on Monday that Matt Kenseth will come out of retirement to replace Kyle Larson for the remainder of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season in the No. 42 Chevrolet.
Larson was let go by Chip Ganassi Racing earlier this month after saying a racial slur during a live iRacing event. He was also indefinitely suspended by NASCAR and will have to successfully complete sensitivity training before returning to competition. The California native had been competing for Chip Ganassi Racing at NASCAR’s highest level since 2014. So far this year, Larson has captured three top-10 finishes and currently sits seventh in the standings.
Matt Kenseth retired from full-time competition in 2017. He finished seventh in the standings that year as well. In 2018, the Wisconsin native split time with Trevor Bayne in Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 6 Ford, competing in 15 races. The 2003 NASCAR Cup Series champion has 665 starts and has accumulated 39 wins, 20 poles, 181 top-five and 329 top-10 finishes. Kenseth will now rejoin his former teammate, Kurt Busch and return to the wheel of a Chevy at Chip Ganassi Racing.
“This was an unexpected opportunity for sure,” Kenseth said. “I can’t say racing was even on my radar two weeks ago. After spending some time thinking about it and all the unique circumstances surrounding all of us right now, it just seemed the timing and the opportunity was perfect to come back. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me to get up to speed in a relatively short period of time, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m excited to work with Kurt (Busch) again and to meet all my new CGR team members, and I’m really looking forward to getting back in a Chevrolet. In 1988, I started my career in a Camaro and I can’t wait to finally race a Chevy in the Cup Series. I also need to thank Chip and all his partners for this opportunity. Hopefully we will be on the track soon.”
Chip Ganassi has watched Kenseth create a legacy for his self throughout the decades in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team owner believes that Kenseth, who is a proven winner and team player is the right replacement for the No. 42 team.
“I have always said that when we have to fill a driver spot, that I owe it to our team, our partners and our fans to put the best available driver in the car,” Ganassi said. “We are doing exactly that with Matt. Throughout my time in NASCAR, I have always admired the way Matt Kenseth raced. He has proven to be a consistent winner, strong competitor, and respectful driver, and I’m glad we are able to add another NASCAR champion to the team for the remainder of this season.”
Photo Credit: Hunter Thomas/TheFourthTurn.com
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