Alex Tagliani Returns to Team Penske

Alex Tagliani

Team Penske announced today that accomplished road racer, Alex Tagliani, will drive the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang for Team Penske in the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 15.

"It is an honor to be back in the 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang," said Tagliani. "It's always unique to be part of Team Penske, even for one weekend. Looking at the Owners' Championship ring, it reminds you how important and how hard everyone behind the scene is working to contribute at the success of the 22 car. This year my goal is the same as last year, help Team Penske. It's a real honor to be part of all this group."

A native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Tagliani competed in two XFINITY Series races for Team Penske in 2014, winning one pole at Road America and posting two top-five finishes. He has made six XFINITY Series starts over the course of his racing career. He has also competed in one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and has memorable performances in the Verizon IndyCar Series, sports car competition and the Australian V8 Supercar Series.

"We are looking forward to having Alex back in the No.22 Ford," said Team Penske president Tim Cindric. "He was a big part of our championship last year as he put the team's goals in front of his own. His performance at Mid-Ohio was a great example of that and, hopefully, we can put him in Victory Lane this time."

Tagliani is also a former Indianapolis 500 pole winner, capturing the top spot for the "Greatest Spectacle In Racing" in 2011. He is a former winner in the Verizon IndyCar Series, taking the checkered flag at Road America in 2004.

The No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang will have a special look for the Mid-Ohio race as the team is again participating in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion program. Tagliani and the team will be paired with Patient Champion Kylee Leonard in effort to raise awareness for the hospital and the care they provide to children all over the world. Leonard, age 6, from Grove City, OH will be and honorary pit crew member for the No. 22 team for the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200.

"I am excited to meet our Kylee, our Patient Champion," stated Tagliani. "Being a new father with a new 3 month old baby makes you understand the stress of hoping your child is healthy and it make you appreciate life. Having a small contribution to put a smile on a child's face is really special. Thumbs up to Nationwide Children's Hospital to be there for them, and for using NASCAR, drivers and teams to act as mentor to the champion patient program."