MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Team Penske announced Thursday that Austin Cindric will compete for the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in a partnership with Roush Fenway Racing.

It was previously announced that Cindric would compete in nine races behind the wheel of Roush Fenway's No. 60 Ford Mustang, including the season-opening race at Daytona. He will also compete in 24 races for Team Penske, splitting time in the No. 12 and No. 22 Fords.

Cindric will drive for Team Penske in each of the four Dash for Cash events at Bristol, Richmond, Talladega and Dover.

"Just the experience of making the final four last season and getting to race for the Truck Series championship at Homestead for BKR (Brad Keselowski Racing) was truly special for me, but has made me determined to find a way to try and get in that position again," said Cindric in a press release.

The 19-year-old finished third in last year's Camping World Truck Series standings including a win at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. He made his Xfinity Series debut at Road America last season. Cindric brought the No. 22 Team Penske Ford home in 16th after earning the pole.

Cindric will work with three different crew chiefs as he attempts to capture the Xfinity Series crown this season. His first start with Team Penske will come with crew chief Matt Swiderski on February 24 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Swiderski joined the organization during the offseason after working as a crew chief with Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity Series.

"Much like last season, I feel like it may take a little time to adjust, but I'm eager to get started on that journey," Cindric explained. "I just can't thank Roger Penske, Jack Roush and everyone with Ford Performance enough for this opportunity."