MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Germain Racing announced Monday that Ty Dillon will pilot the team's no. 13 Chevrolet in NASCAR's Cup series in 2017.

Dillon will replace Casey Mears, who drove full-time for the team beginning in 2011. Dillon has 18 career starts in NASCAR's premier series, as well as three full seasons in the Xfinity Series. He also competed in the Camping World Truck Series for two seasons, finishing second in 2013.

The team announced that long-time sponsor GEICO will return to the team next season.

"I have been preparing for this next step in my career for several years," Dillon said. "With my experience in the Camping World Truck Series and Xfinity Series, I am ready to drive full-time in the Sprint Cup Series. I want to thank Bob Germain and the entire Germain Racing organization for giving me this opportunity. It will be an honor to represent a brand and sponsor like GEICO, which has played such a significant role in the sport for so many years."

As part of the deal, Germain Racing owner Bob Germain said he looks forward to expanding the organization's existing relationship with Richard Childress Racing. Since switching to Chevrolet in 2014, the team has received engineering and technical support, as well as the use of ECR engines.

"First of all, I want to thank Casey Mears for everything he's done for our race team over the past sexi years," Germain said. "He's been an integral part of our growth and a great representative for GEICO and our many partners. Bringing Ty onboard is an exciting opportunity for us and we are committed to giving him all the resources he needs to reach his full potential."

In 280 races at the Cup series level, Germain Racing has 1 top five and 6 top-10 finishes. The team won two Truck Series championships with Todd Bodine in 2006 and 2010.