Australian V8 Supercars legend and NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose is returning to Australia to drive with DJR Team Penske, the driver has confirmed today.
His NASCAR team Richard Petty Motorsports will now need to look for a replacement for Ambrose beyond this season in what is one of the biggest coups for V8 Supercars in recent times.
Ambrose is a genuine star of the track, having won two Sprint Cup races since his debut in 2008. He also has 44 top tens and 5 wins in the Nationwide Series in his stint in America.
He won back-to-back titles in V8 Supercars driving for Ford in 2003 and 2004, and narrowly missed out on three in a row after a crash at Bathurst 1000 in 2005, as well as a couple of poor showings.
But his return to Australia is great news for the sport, and is something fans of the sport in Australia have been crying out for for some time.
Ambros said in a statement that he was extremely excited to be returning to his place of birth to race.
“The chance to return to Australia and drive for DJR Team Penske is a unique and incredible opportunity. I admire Roger Penske as a global motorsport and business icon and this is a perfect means for Roger and the Penske organisation to expand those footprints.
“I grew up watching Dick Johnson race and I have raced his winning team myself, so I am fortunate to now be able to drive for his team.
“Even at this early stage, the level of skill and collaboration I’ve seen in DJR and Team Penske – performance, preparation, staff, and communications – has been exceptional on both sides. Bringing Team Penske to Australia is a win and will have significant benefit to Australian motorsport.
“I’m proud to bring my experience and knowledge to complement the new partnership and its possibilities. I realize the series and the car is different than it was 10 years ago, but I am confident in what I’ve accomplished and what I’m capable of. I believe in what I can do in the future.
“The US and NASCAR have been very good to my family and me, but my goal has always been to give my daughters a chance to grow up with family and experience the home I love while they are still young. We are ready to take on this new venture.”
Ambrose will join forces with American team owner Roger Penske, which will be run in conjunction with Dick Johnson Racing, in a move that’s been mooted since last year.
Ambrose has always admitted that a return to Australia was likely, and admitted that family played a big part in his decision.
What do you think Roarers? Is this what V8 Supercars needs?
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Hopefully this puts DJR back up towards the front.
FrozenNorth
Guest
He was always extremely cagey about what he'd say and he was adamant for years and years that he wanted his kids to grow up at home. I left OZ at about the same time so have followed him closely and envy the position he is in to go back as i prepare for yet another 8 month winter. It's already barely cracking 15 degrees.
Scuba
Guest
His best results in the US have come on the rare occasions when they don't race on ovals. I don't doubt the family reasons but I'm also certain he'd be thrilled to be back in a championship with a wide variety of circuits.
Nicholas Belardo
Roar Guru
Cannot. Wait.