Scott Speed will embark on his first full season with Team Red Bull after the NASCAR operation confirmed he will be behind the wheel of the No. 82 Toyota next season.
Veteran crew chief Jimmy Elledge will guide Speed, who is guaranteed a spot on the starting grid through the first five races in 2009 after the No. 82 finished inside the top 35 in car owner points.
Team Red Bull also confirmed that Ryan Pemberton will join the squad as the crew chief for the No. 83 car driven by Brian Vickers. Pemberton comes over from Michael Waltrip Racing, where he guided David Reutimann to four top-10 results in 2008.
“We’re entering our third Sprint Cup season with driver and crew chief pairings that have what it takes to consistently compete at a high level,” said Jay Frye, the team’s vice president and general manager.
“Brian and Ryan are each at a point in their respective careers where they can bring home wins and make a run for the championship. Scott earned his Sprint Cup ride by exceeding our expectations in ARCA and trucks. He has a great asset in Jimmy, who has experience working with both rookies and open-wheel drivers.”
