Inside the Garage: Tryson (cont'd)

Tryson steps into an organization that has both Busch and Ryan Newman in the thick of the Chase, and with Sonoma up next the No. 2 team realizes now is the time to make a move.

"We've been looking forward to getting back to the road courses for a long time now," said Busch, who is 16th in points, 69 behind Newman in 15th place. "With the great test we had at VIR [Virginia International Raceway, a 3.27-mile road course] a few weeks back [on June 6], we're unbelievably excited about getting out to Sonoma and see how we stack up this time around.

Autostock

Pat Tryson

"As strong as we were on the road courses last season, we're thinking we have the opportunity to get out there and have an even stronger Miller Lite Dodge this time around. It was a good feeling to finally get acknowledged for our road-racing efforts last year. Because we've yet to win a Cup race on the road courses, I doubt that we're looked at as a favorite going into this weekend's race at Sonoma. But at the same time, I don't think it would be too big of a shock if we do really well out there."

With Tryson on board, Busch & Co. are now focused on the task at hand -- Sonoma and moving up in the point standings.

"Pat is a racer who is well respected in the garage area and we look forward to the experience and leadership he will provide to the No. 2 team," said Tim Cindric, president of Penske Performance Inc.

"Competing for championships is our goal and Pat's proven that he has the ability to get top-level teams and drivers into the Chase. He will be a true asset to our company as we continue to build for our future."