Huntersville, NC (Best E Casino) - One of the worst kept secrets was made official when Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Tuesday that it had signed 22- year-old Kyle Busch to a contract. The younger brother of 2004 Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch will get behind the wheel of the No.18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet beginning in 2008.

"It just felt right...they have a great track record," said Busch.

"Kyle could have gone to almost any team he wanted to," said Team President J.D. Gibbs.

Kyle Busch will join two-time Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart and budding superstar Denny Hamlin to make up a formidable team. Busch replaces J.J. Yeley. Yeley was 21st in points after finished 29th in the standings last year.

Busch has driven the last three and-a-half years for powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports, but was the odd-man out when Dale Earnhardt Jr. agreed to drive for the team earlier this season. He is currently eighth in the standings and preparing for the "Chase for the Nextel Cup" which begins in just a few weeks.

In 100 career Nextel Cup starts, Kyle Busch has earned four wins, 43 top-10s and two poles.