By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
After three full seasons, Trevor Bayne will not return to the No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
On SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, team owner Jack Roush explained Bayne’s leave, the current state of the No. 6 seat and the future of the ride for 2019.
“Trevor is not going to be in the car next year,” Roush said. “Who we’re talking to and how close we are in those negotiations, I’m not inclined to say.
“We’re making a search. We’re in negotiations with drivers right now that would drive the No. 6 car next year. I think the decision’s been made. I don’t want to be breaking the story here, but I think the decision’s been made.”
In his fourth season with RFR, Bayne was placed into a part-time position for 2018, as Matt Kenseth returned to the series in the No. 6. Currently, Bayne has raced 16 races this season with a best finish of 11th at Bristol in August.
Since 2015, Bayne has earned four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes with RFR, finishing a best of 22nd in the championship. Kenseth has raced 11 times this year, finishing a best of 12th last week at Indianapolis after winning a stage and leading five laps.
“Matt is one of the guys who really put us on the map of the racing landscape,” Roush said. “He’s one of the most talented drivers to ever sit inside a racecar and his will to win, drive and determination have always embodied what we strive for as an organization.”