Stremme joins Penske for 2009

The 31-year-old is currently a test driver for Penske in the Sprint Cup and competes in the Nationwide series for former Penske racer Rusty Wallace's team, currently ranking 12th in the drivers' standings in the second tier category.

Stremme lost his Chip Ganassi Racing drive to Dario Franchitti at the end of last season, but will now return to the Cup scene for what will be his third full season.

"We're pleased to have David join Penske Racing as the driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge," said Roger Penske. "His past accomplishments and current experience as our NASCAR test driver, as well as his character and desire for success, make him a good fit into our culture."

Stremme will enter the 2009 season driving for the defending Daytona 500 champions at the season opener. He will have the chance to gain experience from having 2004 Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch and former IRL IndyCar series champion Sam Hornish Jr as his teammates.

"It's an honour to join Penske Racing as the driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge," said Stremme. "To be a part of Penske Racing's 40-plus-year legacy has been a long-time dream of mine. I cannot wait to join my new teammates and work to get the No. 12 into the 2009 Chase."

Stremme filled in for Franchitti this year in the Sprint Cup race at Talladega after the Scot fractured his left ankle in an accident the day before in the Nationwide Series race. He led a couple of laps before being involved in an accident in what has been his only Cup race this year.

His best Cup results came in 2007 when he scored three top ten finishes driving for Ganassi, ranking 24th in the standings at the end of the season.