Roush Fenway Racing today announced that Matt Kenseth will return to the team as part of a deal that will see him share the No. 6 Ford with Trevor Bayne and have new sponsorship from Wyndham Hotel & Resorts. Kenseth, a former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion who used to race for RFR, was dropped from Joe Gibbs Racing's stable last year. But RFR reached out to Kenseth in recent weeks as its No. 6 car has continued to languish under Bayne, who is sponsored by AdvoCare and Perfomance Plus for 15 races this season. RFR said at a press conference this morning that the two will split the ride for the rest of the year, though details have yet to be finalized. Kenseth's first race under the Wyndham banner will be at the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway on May 12. Wyndham was a sponsor in NASCAR several years ago, but this deal marks its return to the sport. It is expected to run several races as primary sponsor, but details were not released. Kenseth's agency is Fuel Sports Management Group (Adam Stern, Staff Writer). RFR President Steve Newmark said that the deal "could last as long as Kenseth, 46, wants to drive" (JSONLINE.com, 4/25). YAHOO SPORTS' Nick Bromberg notes Kenseth will "compete in the All-Star Race on May 19 because of his win at Phoenix last year" while with JGR. The car was "not previously qualified for the race" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 4/25). The AP's Jenna Fryer notes Kenseth is still "considered among the top talents in the Cup garage but his salary made him too expensive for any of the open rides." It put him "on the sidelines for the start of this season" (AP, 4/25).
