CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Don’t call it a comeback; it’s more of a homecoming.
Roush Fenway Racing announced Wednesday that Matt Kenseth is returning to the team where he began his career in NASCAR’s top series this season, driving the team’s No. 6 entry on a part-time basis.
As part of the arrangement, Kenseth will split races behind the wheel with Trevor Bayne, starting at the May 12 event at Kansas Speedway. Kenseth earned his only championship and the team's first championship in what is now the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2003.
“It’s a great feeling to return to where it all started for me in the Cup Series,” said Kenseth. “There aren’t many people who have been more influential in my racing career than Jack Roush and Mark Martin. For them to believe in me today means almost as much as it did when they believed in me the first time, 20 years ago. I’m excited to get to the shop, get back to work, and help Roush Fenway return to prominence in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Roush Fenway officials also announced that Wyndham Rewards has signed on as part of a multi-year agreement with the team. Kenseth's exact schedule is still in the works, according to team officials.
“We are very pleased to welcome Matt back to Roush Fenway,” said team co-owner Jack Roush. “Matt is one of the guys who really put us on the map of the racing landscape. He’s one of the most talented drivers to ever sit inside a race car and his will to win, drive and determination have always embodied what we strive for as an organization.
Kenseth stepped away from full-time competition at the conclusion of 2017 after he was replaced at Joe Gibbs Racing by Erik Jones. At the time, Kenseth told NBC Sports' Nate Ryan he wasn't sure if or when he'd return to NASCAR.
“I’m just going to take some time off, whatever that means, take a year or two . …or three months, four months,” Kenseth said last November. “You never really know what happens. Something could come up that makes me excited and looks like a fit and I’m not going to rule that out. But I’m not making any plans for 2018, just going to take some time off.”
