NASCAR: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to drive for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2020

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is set to replace Chris Buescher, the driver set to replace him at Roush Fenway Racing, at JTG Daugherty Racing for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Toward the end of September, Roush Fenway Racing confirmed that they would be moving on from Ricky Stenhouse Jr. following the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season and signing Chris Buescher as his replacement behind the wheel of the #17 Ford.

This news came not even two months after Stenhouse “confirmed” that he was slated to return to the team through at least the 2021 season.

But Stenhouse did not end up being without a ride for long.

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With Buescher set to replace him, that left the seat of the #37 Chevrolet open at JTG Daugherty Racing, where Buescher had been for each of the last three seasons. Stenhouse had been rumored as a replacement candidate, which would effectively create a driver swap.

That driver swap is now set to take place.

Stenhouse and JTG Daugherty Racing have confirmed that the 32-year-old Olive Branch, Mississippi native is set to drive the #37 Chevrolet in the 2020 season as the teammate to Ryan Preece, the rookie who currently drives the #47 Chevrolet alongside Buescher.

Here is what Stenhouse had to say about his next opportunity, according to NASCAR.

"“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join JTG Daugherty Racing next season. To be able to see what Tad, Jodi (Geschickter) and Brad (Daugherty) have built over the years says a lot about the team and the organization both on and off the track. JTG has grown from a small team in a barn to a two-car team with more than 100 employees, and I’m looking forward to joining the family. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and ready to go win races with the ultimate goal of making the Playoffs and competing for a championship.”"

Here is what team owner Tad Geschickter added.

"“We’re very fortunate to have Ricky join us next season to continue to elevate our racing program at JTG Daugherty Racing. Ricky brings a lot of experience and talent to the team, and we know we can have two Playoff-contending teams next season with him and Ryan Preece at the helm of our cars.”"

This move knocks over yet another Silly Season domino, as there had been quite a few drivers, even some who are not currently competing in the Cup Series, linked to the #37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet prior to this confirmation.

Stenhouse has competed in NASCAR on a full-time basis since the 2010 season, and he has competed in the Cup Series on a full-time basis since the 2013 season. He has only ever driven full-time for Roush Fenway Racing.

In fact, in 251 Cup Series starts and 359 total NASCAR starts, his only start for a team other than Roush Fenway Racing was his Cup Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the 2011 season when he drove for Wood Brothers Racing.

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As the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series driver lineup continues to take shape, which team and driver will agree to terms on a contract to create the next big announcement? There are certainly a number of possibilities.

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