Denton out, Grubb in at Team Bristol

LAS VEGAS -- Team Bristol Motorsports made a driver change on the eve of the third race of the NASCAR Busch Series season.

Kelly Denton, who drove the No. 54 GC Toys Chevrolet at Daytona and Rockingham, was released from the ride Friday and replaced by Kevin Grubb. In the two previous races, Denton achieved finishes of 16th and 27th leaving him 24th in points.

Rick Goodwin, team owner for nine months, said it was time to make a change and Denton was the result of that decision.

"I decided to make a change, and Kelly and I sat down to talk about it," Goodwin said. "I released Kelly Denton (Friday), he's my friend and I wish him the best of luck. I got into this sport because of Kelly.

"We just needed a change here. On a race team you have to find all the synergy to make it work."

Grubb, who was let go from the No. 37 Brewco Motorsports Chevrolet at the end of last year, was tapped by Goodwin based on his past experience. Last year, Grubb had three top-fives and seven top-10 finishes.

Grubb completed only 88 of the 200 laps in the Sam's Town 300 and was credited with a 41st-place finish.