Matt Stone Racing has confirmed the first piece of its 2020 driver puzzle, locking in Garry Jacobson to steer its lead entry.

The 27-year-old stepped up to the main game this year with Kelly Racing after six seasons in the Dunlop Super2 Series, which included winning the second-tier title in 2016.

With Kelly Racing trimming down from four entries to two as part of its move to Mustangs, Jacobson has switched to the expanding MSR.

The Triple Eight customer outfit will field two cars in 2020, with the second expected to be a yet-to-be-announced share-car model, featuring two young drivers.

MSR’s former driver Todd Hazelwood has already been confirmed at Brad Jones Racing, taking the place of Shell V-Power Racing-bound Tim Slade.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be selected by Matt Stone Racing as the first driver announced for its expanded program in 2020,” said Jacobson.

“The move for me is pretty exciting to be honest, the team has now had 12 months with a Triple Eight Race Engineering-built car, so I walk through the door with the team being comfortable with the equipment they’ll be providing me.

“Additionally, having a second car alongside in the garage will be a huge advantage and it will be a big year for everyone with that expansion.”

The move to MSR is a return to Triple Eight equipment for Jacobson, who drove Holdens built by the team while at Eggleston Motorsport in Super2 during 2014 and ’15.

Team owner Stone says Jacobson, who was a front-runner in Formula Ford before moving to Supercars, fits with the squad’s desire to help young talent progress.

“MSR is excited about the 2020 season ahead, and very pleased to secure Garry Jacobson as part of the expansion of the team,” he said.

“Garry has showcased his driving talent across many classes and we look forward to building success together.

“Garry fits firmly with MSR’s mission to support and build young drivers into champions.”

Jacobson finished 23rd in the 2019 standings having scored a best finish of 12th, with a fifth in qualifying at Sandown the clear highlight.

The line-up for MSR’s second car is expected to be confirmed next week, with Super2 drivers Zane Goddard and Kurt Kostecki widely linked to the program.