44 teams on preliminary NASCAR Sprint Cup entry list for Talladega race
Forty-four teams are on the preliminary NASCAR Sprint Cup entry list for this weekend's Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Among those sharing rides or with teams that are running a limited schedule are Brad Keselowski (No. 09 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet), Max Papis (No. 13 Germain Racing Toyota), Tony Raines (No. 37 Front Row Motorsports Dodge), Bobby Labonte (No. 71 TRG Motorsports Chevrolet), Regan Smith (No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet) and Erik Darnell (No. 96 Hall of Fame Racing Ford). Michael McDowell is listed on the entry list in the No. 36 Tommy Baldwin Racing Toyota, but a team spokesperson says that Robert Richardson Jr. will drive that car.
This weekend will also see some debuts, as Elliott Sadler drives a Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports (the organization's other three drivers remain in Dodges) and Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth and David Ragan will compete with the new Ford engine.
Only one driver will fail to make the field for the race. Labonte is locked into the field by virtue of being the most recent series champion outside the top 35 in owner points, leaving eight drivers to vie for seven spots. Those driving for teams outside the top 35 in owners points and needing to make the race based on speed are Keselowski, Papis, Richardson, Raines, Dave Blaney (No. 66 Prism Motorsports Toyota), Smith, Scott Speed (No. 82 Red Bull Racing Toyota) and Joe Nemechek (No. 87 Nemco Motorsports Toyota).
Practices for the race begin Friday at 2 p.m. EDT, with qualifying slated for 12:15 p.m. Saturday. The race is slated to begin shortly after 1 p.m. EST Sunday.
