Roush-Fenway Racing Reducing to Two Cars for 2017

Roush-Fenway Racing announced today that it would be fielding only two cars in 2017. Ricky Stenhouse and Trevor Bayne will remain as drivers for the team. This announcement is the latest of several changes for the team.

Just over a week ago, it was announced that long-time driver, Greg Biffle, would not be returning for his 20th season with the team. It was also announced that long-time employee and General Manager, Robbie Reiser, would not return in the same capacity. He will stay with the team, but it has not been determined what his position will be.

“We have been able to shore up our plans for 2017 and we feel that this will continue to move us in a direction that will yield improved performance and results,” said Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush. “We saw improvement in our cars and made substantial gains in our performance at times last season, and we will continue to build on that by maintaining a robust engineering group in order to take the next step by consistently running up front.”

Part of those plans include leasing its NASCAR charter for the No. 16 team, as well as driver Chris Buescher, to JTG Daugherty Racing who will expand to two full-time cars next season.

The team also announced several internal changes. Matt Puccia will remain as the crew chief for the No. 6 team. Brian Pattie will become the crew chief for Stenhouse and the No. 17 team. Nick Sandler has been named Director of Engineering. He previously served as crew chief for the No. 17 team.