CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Brendan Gaughan was fired Thursday by Penske-Jasper Racing after struggling in his first season of Nextel Cup competition. Travis Kvapil will replace him in the No. 77 Dodge in 2005.
Gaughan jumped from the truck series into a stock car this year, but had just one top-five finish and three top 10s. He finished second to Kasey Kahne in the rookie of the year race.
Kvapil, the 2003 truck series champion, participated in a development program during 2004 with Penske Racing and competed in three Nextel Cup races.
"Travis showed solid potential and demonstrated the skill and determination it takes to be a winner and we look forward to building on this foundation with our sponsor partners Kodak and Jasper," Roger Penske said.
Kvapil called the opportunity to drive for Penske a dream.
"I have been a fan of Roger Penske since I was a little kid watching Rick Mears," Kvapil said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a young driver and I'm excited to get that opportunity."
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