CONCORD, N.C. – Roush Fenway Racing co-owner Jack Roush confirmed on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Wednesday night that Trevor Bayne will not return to the organization’s No. 6 Ford in 2019.
Bayne, who has driven for RFR in some capacity since the waning moments of the 2010 season, was demoted to a part-time role after former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth returned to the team in May to split the ride with Bayne.
The Tennessee native has spent three full Cup Series seasons behind the wheel of the No. 6 Ford, starting in 2015, when Bayne moved over to RFR from Wood Brothers Racing and the car was renumbered from No. 99 following the departure of Carl Edwards.
However, after four years and little success with RFR, Roush told Dialed In host Claire B. Lang that Bayne’s journey with the team is reaching its end and the team has already begun the process of identifying the successor for its flagship car.
“Trevor is not going to be in the car next year,” Roush said. “Who we’re talking to and how close we are in those negotiations, I’m not inclined to say.
“We’re making a search. We’re in negotiations with drivers right now that would drive the No. 6 car next year. I think the decision’s been made. I don’t want to be breaking the story here, but I think the decision’s been made.”
After stunning the garage by winning the 2011 Daytona 500, Bayne first joined Roush three years ago and has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes during his tenure with RFR. His best finish in the point standings was 22nd in both 2016 and 2017.
Bayne has competed in 16 of the 26 races run so far this season, with a best finish of 11th at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in August.
Conversely, Kenseth picked up a stage win during Monday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and earned his best result of the season in the same event after running inside the top five for a portion of the afternoon.
Kenseth remains one of only two drivers to have earned a Cup Series championship for Roush as a team owner.
“Matt is one of the guys who really put us on the map of the racing landscape,” Roush said. “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.”
While Roush wouldn’t say who the next driver of his most recognizable car would be just yet, he did tip his hand as to the type of racer his organization is seeking.
“I want a driver that can be fast,” Roush said. “I want someone who is fast and can win.”
