Kenseth will begin adding to his 650 career Cup Series starts at Kansas Speedway on May 12, his first scheduled race in the No. 6 Ford.
“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.”
Wyndham Rewards will serve as a major partner of the No. 6 team for the balance of the season, with a blue-and-white paint scheme nodding to the iconic Pfizer Inc. and Viagra colors that NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin carried on the No. 6 Ford from 2000 to 2005.
“With iconic brands like Wyndham, Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada and more, Wyndham Rewards was built for the everyday traveler and that’s who race fans are—they are the folks hitting the road, heading from track to track, supporting their drivers and showing their love of the sport,” said Eliot Hamlisch, vice president of worldwide loyalty and partnerships at Wyndham Hotel Group. “Roush Fenway is one of the most recognized names in racing and the opportunity to work with them in support of Matt’s homecoming is something we see as really special.”
“I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have my favorite driver, Matt Kenseth, driving the No. 6 car,” added Martin. “I can’t put it into words.”
Roush Fenway Racing president Steve Newmark noted Wednesday that he feels a two-car operation is best at the current time, but wouldn’t rule out a third car of some sort should Bayne score a victory before Kenseth steps into the seat for the first time at Kansas.
“That would be a problem we’d certainly love to have to solve,” said Newmark.
“Jack (Roush) has told me many, many times that Matt is the best as figuring out how to assess and diagnose cars,” Newmark added. “It just seemed like the right time. We had made improvements and for us to take the next step … we felt it would be beneficial to bring Matt back into the fold.”
For team co-owner Jack Roush, Wednesday marked a homecoming for the driver who led his team to its first Cup title.
“We are very pleased to welcome Matt back to Roush Fenway,” said 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.”
