NASCAR Cup Series: JTG Daugherty Racing alter 2020 lineup

JTG Daugherty Racing’s driver lineup for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season will still feature Ryan Preece and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., but the car numbers are set to change.

JTG Daugherty Racing felt that they were in a pretty good position this past summer to retain both Chris Buescher and rookie Ryan Preece for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Indeed, Preece is set to return for a second season with the two-car Chevrolet team. But Buescher decided to return to Roush Fenway Racing, the team with which he won the 2015 Xfinity Series championship, and replace Ricky Stenhouse Jr. behind the wheel of the #17 Ford.

A few weeks later, JTG Daugherty Racing effectively confirmed a driver swap, as they announced that Stenhouse would replace Buescher after he was left without a ride at Roush Fenway Racing.

More from NASCAR Cup Series

• NASCAR Cup Series: New team set to compete in 2024
• NASCAR: Surprising name continuously linked to new seat
• NASCAR driver at risk of missing the Daytona 500?
• NASCAR set for rare appearance last seen 13 years ago
• NASCAR team adds third car, names driver for 2024 Daytona 500

Now the team have further changed their lineup.

Both Preece and Stenhouse are set to drive for the team next year, but Preece is set to move from the #47 Chevrolet to the #37 Chevrolet, which Buescher drove from 2017 to 2019, while Stenhouse is set to replace Preece behind the wheel of the #47 Chevrolet as opposed to Buescher behind the wheel of the #37 Chevrolet.

Brian Pattie is set to serve as Stenhouse’s crew chief, just as he did during Stenhouse’s final three seasons driving for Roush Fenway Racing. The pair have two wins together, both in the 2017 season. Those two wins are Stenhouse’s only two Cup Series wins; Pattie has six victories in his career as a Cup Series crew chief.

Here is what Stenhouse had to say about the matter in a press release.

"“I’m very grateful to have Brian join me at JTG Daugherty Racing next season. Working together the past several seasons, our relationship away from the track has really developed and I know that will speed up the process of getting familiar and plugged into the team as quick as possible. He knows what I’m looking for and I know what he expects from me. This team is a great fit for both of us, and we’re looking forward to contributing to the success JTG Daugherty Racing has been building.”"

Trent Owens, who was the crew chief for Buescher from 2017 to 2019, is set to serve as Preece’s crew chief next year after Preece spent his rookie season with Tristan Smith as his crew chief in 30 races and Eddie Pardue as his crew chief in the other six.

Here is what Preece had to say about this confirmation in a press release.

"“I’m really looking forward to working with Trent Owens this upcoming season. Our teams worked closely together in 2019. It was impressive to see what he’s done with the No. 37 team the last three years. I really want to continue building on that and bringing both cars into the top 15 regularly next year.”"

The 62nd annual Daytona 500 is scheduled to get the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season underway on Sunday, February 16. Fox is set to broadcast this race live from Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.