DJR Team Penske has announced that former NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose is temporarily relinquishing his driving duties for the team. With Ambrose out, he’ll be replaced by Scott Pye.
This move is made beginning with the Tasmania race in the No. 17 #DJR Team Penske Ford. We do not know how long Ambrose will be out of his ride that he took after being removed from his #NASCAR ride.
“I want to thank DJR Team Penske for the opportunity and support through the process of transitioning back into V8 Supercars,” Ambrose said. “I would like to make it clear that I am fully committed to this team. Although this is a decision which has been hard to make, it has become clear to me over the first two events of the season that I need more experience in these cars to do what is required of the lead driver and to be competitive for the team and our partners. Scott is a great driver, has already worked with the team and has more experience in these cars, which will give the team the best chance to be successful right now.
“This decision to step aside from the lead driver role at DJR Team Penske is completely my decision. Although this decision may disappoint fans of who I apologize to, I will continue to be a great teammate and will be at the track to support the team in Tasmania. I look forward to getting back on the track later this season and will be ready to do my best for DJR Team Penske.”
Pye previously drove for Dick Johnson Racing last season in a No. 16 Ford. The Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint event will take place March 27th through 29th, which he’ll drive the No. 17 Wurth Ford Falcon FG X.
Ambrose, who has been out of these cars for years, did have a Top 12 finish this season. He’s also expected to be a co-driver for the 2015 Ensurance Series races for the team.
“I appreciate the effort that Marcos and DJR Team Penske have provided over the first two events of the season” Roger Penske, The Captain, as he’s known, said. “Following the Australian Grand Prix, Marcos came to the team, requesting to be replaced from his upcoming driving responsibilities, while he continues the transition back into V8 Supercars competition. Entering the season, Marcos understood that the competition in this series is at a very high level and now realizes that more time is required for this transition. This was a difficult decision for Marcos but I appreciate him thinking about the greater good of the team. Marcos will continue to support the team and our partners including competing in the Endurance Series Races.”
