Chip Ganassi Racing announced today that Matt Kenseth will drive the No. 42 Chevrolet when the NASCAR Cup Series returns to racing.
Kenseth, the 2003 Cup Series Champion and two-time Daytona 500 Champion, last competed in 2018 when he drove the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in 15 races. His last full-time season came in 2017 with Joe Gibbs Racing where he finished seventh in the standings and won at Phoenix Raceway in the playoffs.
Photos: Kenseth Through the Years
“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.”
The move comes after CGR parted ways with Kyle Larson, who was released from the team on April 14 after Larson’s use of a racial slur on a live stream during an iRacing event on April 12.
See Also: CGR Ends Relationship with Larson
Kenseth, who is a 39-time Cup winner, will be reunited with former Roush teammate Kurt Busch.
“I’m excited to work with Kurt again and to meet all my new CGR team members, and I’m really looking forward to getting back in a Chevrolet,” Kenseth said. “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.”
