Marcos Ambrose steps out of Penske ride

After his first two events, Ambrose requested more time to get back up to speed in a series that saw him in 28 races over five seasons and back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004. His success propelled him to NASCAR’s national series in 2006 as he ran 22 of 25 Camping World Truck Series events before moving to the XFINITY ranks full-time in 2007 and a full Sprint Cup Series season in 2009.

In 227 Sprint Cup starts, Ambrose had two wins, three Coors Light Pole Awards, 18 top-five finishes and 46 top-10s. The native of Tasmania returned Down Under at the end of last year after a 23rd-place finish in the Sprint Cup points standings for Richard Petty Motorsports.

“I want to thank DJR Team Penske for the opportunity and support through the process of transitioning back into V8 Supercars,” Ambrose said in a team release. “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.”

Ambrose’s best V8 Supercars finish this season was 12th, and he expects to return to racing later this year, including as a co-driver in the 2015 Endurance 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,” Penske said in a team release. “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.”

The No. 17 Wurth Ford Falcon FG X will be piloted by Scott Pye, who ran for DJR last year. His first event will be the Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint from March 27-29.

“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,” Ambrose said. “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 whom I apologize to, I will continue 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.”

Penske Racing President Tim Cindric showed support for the driver in a tweet on Monday night.

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