MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Penske Racing announced on Wednesday that David Stremme will drive the No. 12 Dodge for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season.

Stremme, 31, has been working as a test driver for the organization. He also currently drives a limited schedule for Rusty Wallace Racing in the Nationwide Series, where he is ranked 12th in the points standings after starting 24 of 27 races.


StremmeStremme replaces Ryan Newman, who will drive the No. 39 Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing next season.

"We're pleased to have David join Penske Racing as the driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge," team owner Roger Penske said in a prepared statement. "His past accomplishments and current experience as our NASCAR test driver, as well as his character and desire for success, make him a good fit into our culture."

Stremme made his Cup Series debut July 10, 2005, at Chicago with Chip Ganassi Racing. Stremme ran the 2006-07 seasons before being released, and also made one Cup Series start this year in the No. 40 subbing for Dario Franchitti, who was injured in a Nationwide Series wreck at Talladega.

In 75 Cup Series starts, Stremme has three top-10 finishes. He also has raced in the Nationwide (125 starts; 20 top-fives; 46 top-10s) and Truck (three starts; one top-10) series.

"To be a part of Penske Racing's 40-plus-year legacy has been a longtime dream of mine," Stremme said. "I cannot wait to join my new teammates and work to get the No. 12 into the 2009 Chase."

Penske Racing is one of the most successful motorsports organizations in history, with more than 300 major race wins, including the 2008 Daytona 500, the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring and 14 Indianapolis 500s. In stock car racing, Penske Racing has 77 victories since 1991.

Good deal! I think Stremme deserves the shot.