Gibbs Garage Special Edition: Matt Kenseth to drive the No. 20 car in 2013

Matt Kenseth
Photo by Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs  

Though rumors swirled for weeks, the official announcement came this afternoon that Matt Kenseth has signed with Joe Gibbs Racing for 2013. Kenseth will drive the No. 20 car with sponsors Home Depot and Dollar General, as Joey Logano is moving to Penske Racing.

Kenseth, a two-time Daytona 500 winner and the 2003 Sprint Cup champion, spent the last 15 years with Roush Fenway Racing. He said getting to know everyone at a new team would be the toughest part of the change, but was looking forward to the move and being part of the Gibbs organization.

“At the end of the day it was a really unique opportunity,” Kenseth said. “I think as a driver you want to go somewhere where not only you’re gonna be a good fit but it’s obviously all about winning races and trying to win championships. I think you want to put yourself in a position that you think is gonna be the most competitive, and be the most competitive going forward to try to achieve your goals, and I felt like this was it.”

Team chemistry was already on display with jokes at the press conference. Matt started to describe what would be the toughest part of the transition, then said, “Kyle says Denny is gonna be the toughest part,” and laughter ensued.

Kenseth will work with the No. 20 team’s current crew chief, Jason Ratcliff.

“I don’t know Jason very well. I’ve talked to him just a few times,” Kenseth said. “I know a lot about him and what he’s accomplished in the sport and all the races that he’s won and all that stuff. So I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Kenseth said he is 100 percent committed to Roush Fenway Racing until the end of the season. He currently sits third in the Sprint Cup championship points standings and is locked into the 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup.

"We think the future looks really bright with Matt here along with Kyle and Denny," J.D. Gibbs said.