Hornish back with Penske for Xfinity races in Iowa, Mid-Ohio

A year after an emotional Father's Day Xfinity Series win at Iowa, Team Penske has announced Sam Hornish Jr. will compete in several series races this summer in the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang, including both at at Iowa Speedway (June 24 and July 29) and the road course race at Mid-Ohio on August 12.

The 37-year-old Hornish was a late replacement last June for Joe Gibbs Racing's Matt Tifft, who was recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor. He earned his fourth career Xfinity Series win and second at Iowa. 2016 also saw him set a new track record for the pole at his home Mid-Ohio race. In his four 2016 races, he finished first and sixth in the two Iowa races, second at Mid-Ohio and fourth at Kentucky in September.

"I'm really excited to return to Team Penske and get the opportunity to drive the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang in a few races this season," said Hornish. "Team Penske continues to be one of the top teams in the XFINITY Series and I'm looking forward to once again working with them. Roger (Penske) and Team Penske have been a huge part of my racing career, so coming back here feels like home. I'm also really appreciative of everyone at Discount Tire for allowing me to take the reins of one of the most recognizable cars in the garage area.

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"The new NASCAR eligibility rules also allow for drivers like me to compete in more races, so I hope to take full advantage of this opportunity."

The team may also add additional races to Hornish's schedule over the balance of the NXS season.

Over the course of four IndyCar seasons with Team Penske, Hornish earned eight wins – including the 2006 Indianapolis 500 – and a series championship in 2006. He also made 130 starts in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and 99 starts in the Xfinity Series for Team Penske between 2006 and 2013. Hornish produced two NXS victories for the team and finished second in the series standings in 2013.