Green to continue with #43.

Jeff Green will be back behind the wheel of the #43 Cheerios Dodge next season, having clinched a full-time deal with Petty Enterprises.

The 41-year old ended the 2003 season with the team, having replaced ex-CART star Christian Fittipaldi from the Dover round in September and, despite a best result of 16th coming in that same race, quickly formed a good relationship with his crew.

"We just kind of clicked," Green said. "Gary [Putnam] and those guys have a lot of knowledge and experience, and we communicated well from the very beginning. Having those races together this past season should help us a lot as we start 2004. I am excited to be part of Petty Enterprises, to drive the famous number 43, but most of all, to be working with some very talented people."

Green will start the 2004 season as defending pole award winner at the Daytona 500, and is eligible to compete in the Bud Shootout of pole winners from the 2003 season.

"As Jeff spent more time in the car, and as he and Gary and the Cheerios guys worked together, it started to become pretty obvious he was the best choice we could make for a driver," team CEO Kyle Petty explained, "He knows how to win races and he knows how to win championships. We feel we can give him the people and equipment he needs to be successful, and we're looking forward to a great relationship."