Ruttman to fill in for Hamilton at Texas

CONCORD, N.C. -- Joe Ruttman and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner Bobby Hamilton are reuniting for a one-race deal at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.

	Joe Ruttman finished third in NCTS points in 2001. Credit: ASP

Ruttman, who drove for Hamilton from 2000-2001, will man the No. 4 Dodge with sponsorship from Red Line Oil. The company has been an associate sponsor with Bobby Hamilton Racing the last two seasons. Ruttman and Hamilton have combined for five trips to Victory Lane through those two seasons.

Since Hamilton let Ruttman go at the end of last year due to sponsorship woes, Ruttman has driven sporadically in the Craftsman Truck Series.

"Monday, I was sitting at home with nothing to do this week and now I have a ride and a sponsor, Ruttman said. "Things happen fast in this business. To say I'm excited about this Friday would be the understatement of a lifetime.

"I just can't wait to get the Red Line Oil Dodge out on the track and see what we can do for the team."

Hamilton broke his right shoulder and left wrist on the final lap of last weekend's Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond. As a result, he won't be piloting the No. 4 Dodge for awhile.

"This whole thing came together pretty quick this week," Hamilton said. "The Red Line folks are some great people, and they have really been an important part of us winning races over the last few years. So to have them have their own truck is a pretty good deal for both of us.

"I'm pretty confident about what Ruttman and the team will do at Texas. I think this is a good opportunity for everyone involved."

Red Line Oil Corporation will continue its current associate sponsorship program with Bobby Hamilton Racing's No. 18 and No. 8 Dodges for this race and the remainder of the season.