CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- IndyCar driver Sam Hornish, Jr. has decided to join the Nextel Cup circuit in the 2008 season.
The former Indianapolis 500 winner, a former Indy Racing League winner, will join Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman in a third car for Penske Racing.
He has tried to qualify for several Nextel Cup races this season.
Hornish is entered in the Arizona.Travel 200 Busch race at Phoenix Saturday night and the Nextel Cup's Checker Auto Parts 500 Sunday afternoon.
Both races will be run at the Phoenix International Raceway.
The Defiance, Ohio native, a three-time IndyCar Series champion (2001, 2002, 2006), compiled an IndyCar record 18 wins, 12 poles, and won nearly $7 million in 99 career league races.
In the 2007 season, he finished fifth in the standings after winning once and earning over $1.3 million in 17 starts.
