Team Penske's Marcos Ambrose to temporarily step away from V8 Supercars

   Former NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose has asked to be temporarily relieved as the driver of DJR Team Penske's No. 17 team in Australia V8 Supercars competition saying he needs more time to make an effective transition.

   Scott Pye will take over the driving duties of the No. 17 Ford Falcon beginning with the Tasmania race. 

   "I would like to make it clear that I am fully committed to this team, ” said Ambrose, who won 28 races over five seasons and captured back-to-back V8 Supercars titles in 2003 and 2004. 

   “Although this is a decision which has been hard to make, it has become clear to me over the first two events of the season that I need more experience in these cars to do what is required of the lead driver and to be competitive for the team and our partners."

   Ambrose, who produced a top finish of 12^th this season, expects to return to the cockpit this year including serving as co-driver in the 2015 Endurance Series races for the team.

   "Entering the season, Marcos understood that the competition in this series is at a very high level and now realizes that more time is required for this transition," said team co-owner Roger Penske. "This was a difficult decision for Marcos but I appreciate him thinking about the greater good of the team."