One of NASCAR's longest-tenured drivers is coming back, and he's getting a sweet ride, too

Brendan Gaughan has been racing in at least one of the three major NASCAR series since 1997, and he announced in November that he was finally going to start slowing down some.

But Gaughan isn't retiring. In fact, he just announced that he will compete in four races for Beard Oil Motorsports in the Cup Series next season, and he will drive the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro.

Check out @Brendan62 sweet @nascar @MonsterEnergy ride for 2018!!! pic.twitter.com/UUu1H0dLnd

— Beard Motorsports (@BeardOil62) January 10, 2018

Gaughan will race in all four restrictor plate races in 2018 -- which includes both races at Daytona and Talladega. He finished 7th and 11th at Daytona last year.

Darren Shaw will be the crew chief, and Gaughan said he's excited to return for the four races.

"I have had more fun racing with Mr. Beard for the four races last year than I had in my prior 50 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts," Gaughan said via NBC Sports. "I'm also very excited about the car that RCR has built for us, Richard Childress has been an amazing friend and I appreciate how much support he is giving to the Beard Motorsports Chevrolet in our part-time efforts.

"I would personally like to thank the entire Beard family for continuing this opportunity and for allowing us to run the number that has been so special to me my entire career."

Gaughan has five top-10 finishes in 54 Cup Series starts, and he has two Xfinity Series wins in his career.