April 27, 2020 | By Lee Spencer

Matt Kenseth to replace Kyle Larson in Chip Ganassi Racing's No. 42 Chevy

Given that Chip Ganassi likes winners, it’s not surprising that he hired Matt Kenseth to drive the No. 42 Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2020 NASCAR Cup season.

The 2003 NASCAR Cup Series champion amassed 39 Cup wins over 18 full seasons. His title run, in which Kenseth locked up the championship early despite scoring just one win, is widely credited as the catalyst to the NASCAR Playoff system.

Since the first playoff format was introduced in 2004, Kenseth qualified for all but one of the post-season contests before his retirement from full-time competition at the end of the 2017 season.

“I have always said that when we have to fill a driver spot, that I owe it to our team, our partners and our fans to put the best available driver in the car,” team owner Ganassi said in the release. “We are doing exactly that with Matt.

“Throughout my time in NASCAR, I have always admired the way Matt Kenseth raced. He has proven to be a consistent winner, strong competitor, and respectful driver, and I’m glad we are able to add another NASCAR champion to the team for the remainder of this season.”

Kenseth, 48, replaces Kyle Larson in the No. 42 Chevy. Larson was dismissed on April 14 after using a racial slur while competing in a non-NASCAR iRacing event. Kenseth will be reunited with fellow champion Kurt Busch, his teammate at Roush Fenway Racing for five seasons 2001-2005.

The Cambridge, Wisconsin, native’s return to Chevrolet marks the first time Kenseth has been aligned with the bow-tie brigade since his Busch (now Xfinity) Series run with Reiser Racing in 2001. Kenseth won 12 Xfinity races behind the wheel of a Chevy.

“This was an unexpected opportunity for sure,” Kenseth said. “I can’t say racing was even on my radar two weeks ago. After spending some time thinking about it and all the unique circumstances surrounding all of us right now, it just seemed the timing and the opportunity was perfect to come back. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me to get up to speed in a relatively short period of time, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

“I'm excited to work with Kurt again and to meet all my new CGR team members, and I’m really looking forward to getting back in a Chevrolet. In 1988, I started my career in a Camaro and I can’t wait to finally race a Chevy in the Cup Series. I also need to thank Chip and all his partners for this opportunity. Hopefully, we will be on the track soon.”