Wood Brothers return to NASCAR full-time in 2016

Wood Brothers Racing, one of NASCAR’s most iconic teams, will resume full-time participation in the Sprint Cup Series in 2016 after several years of running only select events.

Ryan Blaney, who drove in 19 races for the Wood Brothers this season, will compete in all 36 races in 2016 with increased sponsorship from Ford and several of its subsidiary brands.

The team, founded by brothers Glen and Leonard Wood, has been racing in NASCAR’s premier division since 1950 and aligned with Ford throughout its history. Cars prepared and fielded by Glen and Leonard, who were each enshrined into the sport’s Hall of Fame, have won 98 races with luminaries like David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and A.J. Foyt all taking the No. 21 to Victory Lane.

A lack of sponsorship forced the Wood Brothers to reduce its schedule following the 2008 season.

Wood Brothers entered into a technical alliance with Penske this season, which factored into Blaney being named driver. The-21-year-old is a Penske developmental driver and regarded as a top prospect with four wins apiece in the Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series. He is the son of former NASCAR driver and World of Outlaws champion Dave Blaney.

“It is what you dream of as a kid, ever since I started watching my dad at the racetrack and was old enough to know what NASCAR was all about,” Blaney said. “Ever since you start racing, whether it was quarter midgets or whatever, that was the main goal, to be full time in the Sprint Cup level and compete for a championship.

“Obviously it is a little overwhelming right now of knowing what is going to come, but I am excited for it. I don’t get excited about a lot of things and maybe I don’t show it, but I am really excited about this program for next year and having the opportunity.”