Stremme To Drive Penske's 12 Ride In 2009

Concord, NC (AHN) - David Stremme has always kept in close contact with Dodge so it was no surprise Wednesday when the 31-year-old driver was named to pilot the No. 12 Dodge for Penske Racing in 2009.

Stremme, who has driven most of the NASCAR Nationwide Series season for Rusty Wallace, will wheel the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry that is being vacated by Ryan Newman.

"We're pleased to have David join Penske Racing as the driver of the #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 ranks 12th in the Nationwide points standings following five top-five and 13 top-10 finishes this season.

Stremme has been an official Penske Racing test driver with the team since April of this year and has catapulted that into fully sponsored Cup ride with Alltel and Penske next season.

"It's an honor 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 longtime dream of mine. I cannot wait to join my new teammates and work to get the No. 12 into the 2009 Chase."