Logano to race Cup for Gibbs in 2009
Teenage sensation Joey Logano will race the No.20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing in the 2009 Sprint Cup Series, replacing two-time champion Tony Stewart
The 18-year-old, who made his Nationwide Series debut this year at Dover and then won in just his third race in the series at Kentucky, has been now officially named as the driver of the No.20 car that had been left vacant for next year following the announced departure of Tony Stewart to form his own team.
Logano will get his feet wet in the Sprint Cup scene in two weeks at Richmond, driving a fourth JGR car wearing the No.02 and carrying the Home Depot logos that he will sport next year when he enters his first full season at NASCAR's top level.
Greg Zipadelli, the long-time crew chief for Stewart, will remain onboard the No.20 team, leading Logano into his rookie season.
"Obviously today is an exciting day for the Joe Gibbs racing family as The Home Depot has been and will continue to be an important part of our success," said the team's president JD Gibbs.
"Joey (Logano) has already shown he will be a tremendous talent on the track and a great representative for The Home Depot off the track. We are also fortunate to have someone as talented and experienced as Greg Zipadelli guide him through the start of what promises to be a phenomenal career."
Logano will become the youngest driver in the field when he starts next year's Daytona 500, kicking off what looks to be a promising career. He will team up with Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, who at 28 will be the oldest driver in what is set to be the outfit with the youngest average age in the field.
"I just feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be in this position," said Logano. "Joe Gibbs Racing has provided me tremendous support each step of the way and the pportunity to work with the absolute best in the business.
"I can't explain the feeling to become a part of such an awesome Home Depot team and I'm going to just focus on working as hard as I can to prepare for next season."
Logano is expected to compete in more races this season, including some of the races that make up the Chase for the Sprint Cup following his debut at Richmond.
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