By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
JTG-Daugherty Racing announced on Wednesday that Ricky Stenhouse Jr will join their two-car lineup for the 2020 season and beyond. The veteran driver will enter his eighth full-time season in 2020 alongside teammate Ryan Preece.
“We’re very fortunate to have Ricky join us next season to continue to elevate our racing program at JTG Daugherty Racing,” team owner Tad Geschickter said in a team press release.
“Ricky brings a lot of experience and talent to the team, and we know we can have two Playoff-contending teams next season with him and Ryan Preece at the helm of our cars.”
32-year old Stenhouse has spent ten years with Roush-Fenway Racing, but back in late September Roush announced Stenhouse and the organization would part ways following the 2019 season, as the team went on to sign Chris Buescher who ironically currently drives for JTG-Daugherty Racing.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join JTG Daugherty Racing next season. To be able to see what Tad, Jodi (Geschickter) and Brad (Daugherty) have built over the years says a lot about the team and the organization both on and off the track”, said Stenhouse in a press release.
“JTG has grown from a small team in a barn to a two-car team with more than 100 employees, and I’m looking forward to joining the family. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and ready to go win races with the ultimate goal of making the Playoffs and competing for a championship.”
Heading into this weekend’s Hollywood Casino 400 from Kansas Speedway Stenhouse has 251 starts in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series earning two wins, 15 Top-5s, 34 Top-10s and two pole awards.
In addition, the Olive Branch, MS native is the 2011 and 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity) Champion. Overall, in the series Stenhouse has earned eight wins, 40 Top-5s, 63 Top-10s and eight pole awards.
Stenhouse will make his JTG-Daugherty Racing debut in the 2020 Daytona 500 on February 16, 2020 from Daytona International Speedway.