Photo Credit: Noel Lanier/OnPitRoad.com
After a three-year absence from Team Penske’s NASCAR program, Sam Hornish, Jr. will make his return to the team in select NASCAR XFINITY Series races this year, beginning with Iowa Speedway next weekend.
Hornish, a veteran with Team Penske in both NASCAR and the Verizon IndyCar Series returns for his first race with the team since 2013 when he raced full-time in the XFINITY Series, finishing second in points. Since being away from the team, he has raced for Richard Petty Motorsports in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series as well as on a partial basis with Richard Childress Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing in the XFINITY Series.
“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,” said Hornish. “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 is currently scheduled to run both races at Iowa as well as at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August, but more races could be added as the season runs down once the playoffs begin. New restrictions by NASCAR could make it tougher for Team Penske’s other drivers to race in the No. 22 XFINITY car come September.
“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.”
Hornish is a four-time XFINITY Series race winner, which includes two victories at Iowa.
