Backup drivers arranged in case Kenseth goes on baby duty

With the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season set to return to action at Daytona International Speedway next week, Roush Fenway Racing’s Matt Kenseth and his wife Katie are expecting great things for the month of February with the addition of a new baby. The Kenseths expect to welcome the latest addition to the family by the end of the month, and Roush Fenway Racing will look to two drivers to be on-call in case Kenseth needs to travel home to be with his family.

Kenny Wallace and Brian Ickler will be ready to jump in to the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford for any practice and qualifying needs the team may have. Wallace will be ready to assume driving duties throughout Daytona International Speedway’s Speedweeks events, while Ickler will be at the track for both Phoenix and Las Vegas race weekends.

Kenseth plans to be behind the wheel of the No. 17 Ford on race days, but depending on when the newest member of the family arrives, he may need assistance from Wallace and/or Ickler to practice the car for the team.

Kenseth and his No. 17 Crown Royal team will have their first practice session of the season on Friday, February 11th for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.