Hornish Returns to Team Penske for Three Xfinity Series Races

By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Writer

The last time that Sam Hornish, Jr. competed for Team Penske in the NASCAR Xfinity Series was the 2013 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In the race, Hornish lost the championship by three points to Austin Dillon. Four years later, Hornish will return to Team Penske for at least three NASCAR Xfinity Series races.

Hornish will pilot the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang at both Iowa Speedway races on June 24 and July 29, as well as Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 12.

Hornish made 130 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts and 99 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Team Penske. This includes two wins in the Xfinity Series, one at Phoenix Raceway, and one at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Prior to his NASCAR career, Hornish spent four seasons with Team Penske in the Verizon IndyCar Series where he won the 2006 Indianapolis 500 and the 2006 Championship for the team.

In total, Hornish has four victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Two came at Iowa Speedway, both with Joe Gibbs Racing. In 114 career starts, he has collected 35 top fives, 61 Top 10s, and eight pole positions. One of those poles came at Mid-Ohio last year with Richard Childress Racing.

Hornish was excited to return to Team Penske,

“I’m really excited to return to Team Penske and get the opportunity to drive the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang in a few races this season. Team Penske continues to be one of the top teams in the XFINITY Series and I’m looking forward to once again working with them. Roger (Penske) and Team Penske have been a huge part of my racing career, so coming back here feels like home. I’m also really appreciative of everyone at Discount Tire for allowing me to take the reins of one of the most recognizable cars in the garage area.”

Hornish continued,

“The new NASCAR eligibility rules also allow for drivers like me to compete in more races, so I hope to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Now Hornish will focus on the race at Iowa as there are possibilities that Team Penske may add more races to his schedule later in the season.