Ambrose secures US deal

Ambrose, who remains in contention for a third successive V8 Supercar title, will drive in the Craftsman Truck Series for Ford team Wood Brothers/JTG Racing as part of a multi-year development deal, with the intention of Ambrose progressing into Busch and Nextel Cup in upcoming years.

He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of other successful drivers for the long-established Wood Brothers team, which include Dave Pearson, Neil Bonnett, Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker and Ricky Rudd.

"It's an honour to be chosen from a long list of drivers who would love to be with Wood Brothers/JTG Racing," said Ambrose after confirming his US plans. "The team provides a career path through the NASCAR major series all the way to Nextel Cup. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the next phase of my career.

"It's great to get this deal finalised before the final V8 Supercar race at Phillip Island next week. I want to end the season on a high with a win and who knows, maybe a third title.

"My dealings with Ford and Ford Racing both here in Australia and the US as well as Wood Brothers/JTG have been excellent. Ford Australia President Tom Gorman has been outstanding and without his direct input this deal would never have got off the ground."

Wood Brothers team owner Eddie Wood is very excited about Ambrose joining the team: "We have been blessed with some great drivers in our 55+ years in NASCAR and we had the opportunity to do some testing with Marcos this summer.

"He adapted quickly to these cars and we believe that, given time, he can add to our rich driver history. Marcos has quite a racing resume. We will start him in the Craftsman Truck Series next season and watch his development closely."

Ambrose plans to move to the United States with his family in January.