Penske-Jasper Racing has announced that 2003 NASCAR Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil will be 💞drive the #77 Kodak EasyShare Dodge Charger in next year's NASCAR Nextel Cup, replacing Brendan Gaughan.

Kvapil, who will eligible to chase Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors in 2005, took part in a development programme with Penske Racing this season, and competed in three Nextel Cup Series races, at Martinsville, Atlꦇanta and Homestead towards the end of the campaign💛.

"Travis has shown solid potential and demonstrated the skill and determination it takes to be a winner," team owner Roger Penske said, "We look forward to building on this🌜 foundation, along with our sponsor partners Kodak and Jasper."

A handful of late-season toꦑp ten finishes proved insufficient to keep Gaughan aboard the #77, handing Kva꧅pil the chance to fulfil a childhood ambition.

"The opportunity to drive for Penske-Jasper Racing is more than a dream come true," he insisted, "I have been a fan of Roger Penske since I was a little kid watching Rick Mears. It's a 🐲once in a lifetime chance for a young driver, and I'm excited to get that opportunity💖."

Just 24 hours a🥂fter confirming his full-time graduation to the Nextel Cup, however, Kvapil also revealed a part-time commitment t🎉o the Busch Series with former Truck series partner Bang Racing. Team owner, Alex Meshkin, and director of Dodge Motorsports, John Fernandez, made the announcement last night [Friday], with Kvapil confirmed for a limited race programme.

"Iꦚ am looking forward to the opportunity of running part-time in the Busch Series, and know the additional seat time will help me in my chaseღ for the rookie of the year in the Nextel Cup," he said.