Mike Hembree

Special for USA TODAY Sports

JOLIET, Ill. – Marcos Ambrose is leaving NASCAR and the United States, but he plans to have a strong connection to one of American racing's top names.

Team Penske announced Sunday after winning the Chase for the Sprint Cup opener at Chicagoland Speedway with Brad Keselowski that it is forming a partnership with Dick Johnson Racing of Australia to run Ambrose in the V8 Supercars Championship series in Australia next season.

"We believe in building our businesses through racing and our success on the track," team owner Roger Penske said. "With our new business ventures in Australia, it makes sense to showcase our brands through the V8 Supercars Championship and the opportunity to work with DJR and Marcos Ambrose convinced us to go forward."

Ambrose won the V8 Supercars title in 2003 and 2004, establishing a winning reputation that earned him notice in NASCAR circles. He will drive Ford Falcons for the Johnson team.

"This is a great opportunity to return home to a place that I love, in a series where I've experienced a lot of success," Ambrose said. "It will be an honor to race for two motorsport legends in Roger Penske and Dick Johnson."

Richard Petty Motorsports announced Saturday that Ambrose, who has raced in NASCAR since 2006, would not return to the Sprint Cup Series in RPM Fords next year. Ambrose, a native of Australia, said Saturday he would return to his home country but didn't reveal his racing plans.

" Today's not the day to talk about my racing future," Ambrose said Saturday. "I just feel like personally, this is the right choice for myself and my family to call it a day here in the U.S., and move on to the next chapter."

Penske has more than 400 race wins and 26 national championships, while Johnson has totaled 80 victories and seven Australian Touring Car-V8 Supercars titles.

Contributing: The Associated Press