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By Nancy Knapp Schilke - Motorsport.com

Roger Penske made his decision faster than many expected with several drivers searching for rides in 2009, David Stremme can rest easy as he was named as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racer in the No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge. The seat vacated by Ryan Newman when he and the team did not renew his contract and he elected to be the teammate for Tony Stewart's new Cup team.

"We're pleased to have David join Penske Racing as the driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge," said Penske. "His past accomplishments and current experience as our NASCAR test driver, as well as his character and desire for success, make him a good fit into our culture."

Stremme's return to a full-time Cup ride is not totally unexpected, the Indiana native started his career in the Nationwide series in 2003 and over the five years in NASCAR, he has paid his dues all the while learning and retaining his determination to prove he can run up-front with the best. This year, he found a ride with Rusty Wallace Inc. in the Nationwide series. In April of 2008, Stremme was announced as a test driver for the Penske organization in the Cup car.

Penske picks Stremme for 2009 ride....