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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
Nascar
Kenseth focused despite distractions By Mark Gregory Sports Reporter
Since the beginning of the NASCAR season, Matt Kenseth has been in the lime light. The veteran driver won the Daytona 500 to kick off the season and four months later, he announced he would leave RoushFenway Racing after 13 full Cup seasons, where he has won 22 races, two Daytona 500s, and the 2003 NASCAR championship. With his contract expiring after this season, Kenseth’s decision had been made prior to the announcement in June. “Once we got out of Kentucky (and made the announcement), I think it was a relief,” he said earlier this year. “The tough part for me was the month and a half before that, trying to work through all that and figure everything out. I think it is only a distraction if you let it become one. I think it is business as usual. It doesn’t change this season as far as what our goals are and how
hard we work toward the goals of winning races and winning a championship. It doesn’t really change anything in my mind. We have been there a long time and had agreed to race through 2012, so the only thing that changes is what we will be doing in 2013 and beyond.” Kenesth’s plans for 2013 were unveiled last week in a press conference announcing he would take over the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota for Joe Gibbs racing. It is a car most recently driven by Joey Logano for the past four years, but made famous by Tony Stewart. “It is a big day for us and it is exciting for us,” said Joe Gibbs.“In this sport you need someone who can really wheel it and make it go. And now, we are so excited about next year having Kyle (Busch) and Denny (Hamlin) and Matt now. I can honestly tell you everyone is excited about next year.” So is Kenseth. “I am really excited to be See KENSETH, page 16
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR
Winning the Daytona 500 was the beginning of what has been a wild year for Matt Kenseth.