Development drivers taking a step back

Hendrick Motorsports development drivers Blake Feese and Boston Reid and Richard Childress Racing driver Brandon Miller have had their 2005 schedules reduced. The move comes as their respective teams try to beef up their point standings and their young drivers' confidence. It will also allow Cup drivers affiliated with the teams to gain additional track time.

Neither Feese nor Reid will drive the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet before the June Nashville race. Kyle Busch drove the car at Talladega and will do so again at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Nextel Cup points leader Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to drive the car at Darlington and Richmond, drive the No. 48 Hendrick car at Lowe's and then will be back in the No. 5 at Dover.

Feese has competed in three races with a best finish of 23rd, while Reid has a best finish of 22nd in three starts. One of the two will compete at Nashville.

Miller found himself with one fewer race on his schedule but also a vote of confidence. Will Lind, who runs the RCR Busch Series program, said that Miller won't run Darlington as scheduled because Jeff Burton is so good at the track.

Miller, who has three starts with a best finish of 25th, will be back in the seat at Nashville.

Penske Racing South driver Ryan Newman announced he would drive about six races in a No. 39 Dodge, with Roy McCauley as the crew chief, starting with Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Penske driver Travis Kvapil also will see time in the car later in the season.

K. EARNHARDT ON VERGE OF RIDE

Kerry Earnhardt said April 28 that he is on the verge of getting a Busch Series ride for the rest of the 2005 season. Earnhardt qualified for the Talladega race in a second Michael Waltrip Racing Chevrolet.

"Every week we're out at Kentucky and Nashville and a lot of places," Earnhardt said. "I've learned a lot as far as setups."

Earnhardt began the year driving in two truck races for Billy Ballew Motor-sports. Braun Racing is expected to announce a second driver at Darlington, but Earnhardt said it was not him. Owner Todd Braun also said that Earnhardt was not the driver.

"I don't know where that came from - I haven't talked to Braun," Earnhardt said.

Waltrip said he provided a car as a thanks for Earnhardt's testing help.

• Mentioned Drivers:
• Jeff Burton