Old drivers to run Bud Shootout thanks to new rules

UPDATE When NASCAR announced a revised format for this season's Shootout race, two-time Shootout winner Ken Schrader came knocking on Red Bull Racing Team's door. With Schrader's past winners spot, and a #82 team eager to start the season, the pairing just made sense. Schrader will pilot the #82 Red Bull Toyota for the February 6 feature race at Daytona International Speedway. Scott Speed, the full- time driver of the #82, is not one of the drivers eligible to compete in the Shootout. Speed will take back the reins of the Red Bull Toyota for the Daytona 500 on February 14. "Kenny's desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favorite among fans and throughout the garage area," said VP and General Manager Jay Frye. "We're excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned." The NASCAR veteran earned a starting spot in this season's race by winning the event in both 1989 and 1990. TRB PR

01/06/10 Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody is reporting NASCAR Sprint cup legend Bill Elliott is likely to be behind the wheel of Roush-Fenway Racing's #6 UPS Ford in the February 6 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. Elliott ran a partial schedule with Wood Brothers Racing this past season, and not looking to quite driving any time soon. The Woods have no plans to compete in the Bud Shootout, leaving Elliott looking for another team that might want to increase their shot at the million dollar prize. The #6 regular driver Ragan is not eligible for the race, while Elliott qualifies as a former Sprint Cup, Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 and Budweiser Shootout champion.

We are also getting word that veteran Ken Schrader, who won the Bud Shootout in 1989 and 1990 will also shake off the mothballs from the driving suit to drive the #82 Red Bull Racing Toyota in the February 6th million dollar all-star event.