Leffler tentatively scheduled to drive Haas CNC entry at Dover
CONCORD, N.C. – Jason Leffler said Saturday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway that the “tentative plan” is for him to drive Haas CNC Racing’s No. 70 Sprint Cup Chevrolet at Dover International Speedway next weekend.
Leffler drives Braun Racing’s No. 38 Toyota in the Nationwide Series but has gotten permission to drive in Cup. Leffler said he tested for Haas CNC at Nashville Superspeedway recently, the first time he’s driven NASCAR’s new model car.
Leffler will also test the No. 70 at Pocono Raceway next Tuesday and Wednesday, he said.
“Just one race at a time,” Leffler said. “I don’t know what their big-picture plan is. It helps me to get some seat time in those cars. And
obviously, the more seat time I can get on a weekend, the better I run on the Nationwide Series, too.”
Jeremy Mayfield started the year in Haas CNC’s No. 70 but was removed after the Texas race in April. Johnny Sauter and Ken Schrader have driven the car since, with Sauter in the car this weekend.
Leffler’s deal is for one race, but he could do more.
“I’m sure if I do good, I’ll do more, but you know how that goes,” Leffler said.
Leffler’s first priority is his Nationwide ride, especially with several standalone races coming up on that schedule. But Leffler said arrangements could be made if Haas CNC wanted him in the Cup races.
“If everything works out, we might have to go back and forth,” Leffler said. “Todd Braun and all the guys [at Braun] are pretty open about it because they know it’ll make me a better driver when I climb in the [Nationwide car].”
