Matt Kenseth Returns to Roush-Fenway, Will Share No. 6 with Bayne

By David Morgan, NASCAR Editor

Matt Kenseth is back where it all began.

After five years away from Roush-Fenway Racing and without a full-time ride for 2018, Kenseth will return to the organization that gave him his start, splitting time in the No. 6 Ford with current driver Trevor Bayne.

Kenseth drove for Roush-Fenway from 2000 to 2012, racking up 24 of his 39 career wins with the team, including the 2000 Rookie of the Year, two Daytona 500 wins and the 2003 Cup Series championship.

“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.”

Along with the news that he would be returning to the driver’s seat, Roush-Fenway also announced a new primary sponsor for the No. 6 car in Wyndham Rewards, the loyalty program for the Wyndham Hotel Group, which is a multi-year partnership for the team.

“Having a globally recognized name like Wyndham come on board is big for all of us—not just Roush Fenway, but for the sport as a whole,” Kenseth added. “It says a lot that they chose this team to carry their colors, and I’m going to do my best to make sure we perform for them, both on and off the track.”

Kenseth’s first race back behind the wheel will be the May 12 race at Kansas Speedway, with the exact split of races between him and Bayne still to be determined going forward. Bayne currently sits 26^th in points after nine races.

“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.

“At the same time, we are very happy to welcome Wyndham Rewards to the fold,” added Roush.  “It takes a strong partner base to succeed at this level, and we are confident that Wyndham Rewards will be a great addition to our team. We look forward to working with them going forward.”