Travis Pastrana commits to full NASCAR Nationwide season with Roush Fenway
The rally and motocross star will contest all 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2013, driving the No. 60 Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Racing.
Travis Pastrana, best known for his rally and motocross achievements, will step up to a full-time drive in the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series with Roush Fenway Racing. The American will compete in all 33 races at the wheel of the No. 60 Ford Mustang, marking his first full season in stock car racing after a handful of previous starts.
The announcement, made by team co-owner Jack Roush and Pastrana, confirms the 29-year-old's intention to shift his focus from action sports to a career in NASCAR. Pastrana, a four-time rally champion and multiple X Games gold medallist, has made nine career Nationwide starts to date, including a single run with Roush Fenway at Richmond last September.
A new direction for Pastrana
Pastrana's move to a full schedule follows a gradual transition from two-wheel and off-road competition into stock cars. He first appeared in the Nationwide Series in 2012 and has steadily increased his involvement, using part-time drives to gain experience on ovals and superspeedways. The 2013 campaign will be his first attempt at the full championship, with the aim of running competitively and developing as a NASCAR driver.
He will work with experienced crew chief Chad Norris, who has previously overseen Roush Fenway entries in both the Nationwide and Cup Series. The team expects to rotate sponsors throughout the season, reflecting Pastrana's broad appeal beyond traditional NASCAR audiences. Roush Fenway will field two full-time Nationwide entries, with 2010 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne returning in the No. 6 car.
What it means for Roush Fenway and the Nationwide grid
For Roush Fenway Racing, Pastrana's signing brings a high-profile name and a new audience to its Nationwide programme. The team, a long-time Ford partner, has a strong record in the series and will look to support Pastrana's adaptation to the demands of full-season oval racing. His presence adds further diversity to a grid that already includes former Cup drivers and rising talents.
Pastrana's entry also signals the continued appeal of NASCAR for athletes from other disciplines. His progress will be closely watched by both motorsport insiders and fans of his earlier exploits. While he is yet to score a top-ten finish in the series, the full campaign offers the chance to build consistency and racecraft against a competitive field.
- Travis Pastrana: No. 60 Ford Mustang, full Nationwide season
- Trevor Bayne: No. 6 Ford Mustang, full Nationwide season
The 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series begins at Daytona International Speedway, where Pastrana will make his debut as a full-time driver for Roush Fenway Racing.
