Need for Speed: Red Bull announces driver-crew chief lineup for 2009
Red Bull Racing made its driver-crew chief lineup official for 2009, announcing Monday that Scott Speed will drive the No. 82 Sprint Cup car with Jimmy Elledge as his crew chief and that former Michael Waltrip Racing crew chief Ryan Pemberton has joined the team to work with driver Brian Vickers.
Speed, a former Formula One driver, will contend for rookie honors in 2009. He ran the entire ARCA schedule, several Truck events (including a win at Dover) and five Cup races last year. That team will switch to the No. 82 and have the points from the No. 84, meaning it will be guaranteed a spot in the first five Cup events.
In addition, Speed will drive a partial schedule in the Nationwide Series for Michael Waltrip Racing in the No. 99 car.
“Scott earned his Sprint Cup ride by exceeding our expectations in ARCA and trucks,” Red Bull general manager Jay Frye said in a statement. “He has a great asset in Jimmy, who has experience working with both rookies and open-wheel drivers.”
Pemberton replaces Kevin Hamlin as crew chief for Vickers. Pemberton was crew chief for David Reutimann last year after spending several years with Frye at MB2 Motorsports and Ginn Racing.
“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,” Frye said. “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.”
