Matt Kenseth Leaving Roush-Fenway

At the end of the 2012 season, Matt Kenseth will be out of the #17 Roush-Fenway Ford that he has driven since 1997 (the car was an entry by current Roush manager, Robbie Reiser). The expectation is that Ricky Stenhouse Jr., last year's Nationwide Series champion, will take over the ride beginning next season.


The rumor in the NASCAR community is that Kenseth will join Joe Gibbs racing to drive the #20 currently driven by Joey Logano or a fourth entry. Team president J.D. Gibbs has not said anything on the matter but speculation on Kenseth's departure began last weekend at Sonoma noting that Logano is in a contract year.


Following 452 career starts behind the weel of the #17 Ford, Kenseth tweeted, ''I'm very thankful to Jack Roush for the opportunities he's given me over the past 14 years. Together we have enjoyed a lot of success... as a team we are committed as ever to the remainder of the 2012 season and chasing a 3rd sprint cup title for Jack and RFR.'' 


One of the biggest issues is the lack of solid sponsorship since DeWalt tools left a few year back and Crown Royal bowed out last season. Sponsorship issues also led to David Ragan losing his ride following the end of last season. Since Stenhouse Jr is in a long term contract with Roush and in need of a ride, (Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle extended their contracts last season) it makes sense that Kenseth is out.


Lets see how this effects the #17's championship run.