Confirmation of Kenseth signing with Joe Gibbs Racing is close at hand

Matt Kenseth driving a Toyota in 2013 with Joe Gibbs Racing should be official prior to Richmond this coming weekend. The 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion currently sits third in this year’s title fight, and has nailed down a spot in the Chase for the Cup.

In late June of this year, the news broke that Kenseth was leaving Roush Fenway Racing after devoting the majority of his Cup career with the Ford team. The team announced that Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the 2011 Nationwide series champion, would replace Kenseth in the No. 17 Cup car.

“I'm very thankful to Jack Roush for the opportunities he's given me over the past 14 years. Together we have enjoyed a lot of success. As a team we are committed as ever to the remainder of the 2012 season and chasing a third Sprint cup title for Jack and RFR,” said Kenseth on June 26th.

Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart making amends at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Photo by: Action Sports Photography

While Kenseth concentrated on doing his job for the RFR team, the current sponsors for the Joe Gibbs Racing team were not happy with the results of Joey Logano. Gibbs did not want to lose Home Depot or General Tire so the search for an available proven champion was on.

In early August, the rumors that Gibbs was already looking to add Kenseth to his stables came to light. That was the same day that Gibbs indicated Logan’s contract would not be renewed.

It is now expected that Kenseth and the JGR team will sign a contract as early as Tuesday morning.

Most recently Kenseth made the news due to an altercation with Tony Stewart in the recent Bristol race. The two locked fenders as they battled for the lead and both cars slammed into the inside wall. Stewart reacted by throwing his helmet at Kenseth.