Feeling as if it was in his best interest to skip out on the Cup season this year and regain his confidence, David Stremme decided to step down to the Nationwide Series and drive for Rusty Wallace Inc.

Ranking 12th in the Nationwide point standings and accumulating five top-5 and 13 top-10 finishes, it seems that Stremme has done just what he set out to do.

Now his efforts and planning are paying off.

On Thursday, Penske Racing announced that Stremme would become the operator of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge in 2009.

The seat became vacant when current driver Ryan Newman broadcasted that he was heading for Stewart-Haas Racing beginning next year.

“It’s an honor to join Penske Racing as the driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge,” Stremme exclaimed. “To be a part of Penske Racing’s 40-plus-year legacy has been a longtime dream of mine. I cannot wait to join my new teammates and work to get the No. 12 into the 2009 Chase.”

Alltel has built an impressive track record with Penske Racing. Since allying with the organization approximately ten years ago, the Penske Racing Alltel Dodge has amassed a total of 23 wins and 55 poles in NASCAR's top echelon.

Stremme hopes to continue that record, and has full support of his sponsor.

Frank O'Mara, the chief marketing officer of Alltel Wireless notes, “Alltel is proud to welcome David into our ‘Circle’ and have him behind the wheel of the No.12 Alltel Dodge in 2009. We look forward to having him serve as an ambassador for Alltel both on and off the track.”

Despite losing a driver the caliber of Ryan Newman, Penske Racing is excited about the future of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge and has full faith in Stremme to keep the winning tradition at Penske alive.

“We’re pleased to have David join Penske Racing as the driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge,” said team owner Roger 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.”