Schrader to pilot Waltrip truck at Michigan

CONCORD, N.C. -- Darrell Waltrip Motorsports and Toyota announced Thursday that Ken Schrader will pilot the No. 11 Federated Auto Parts Toyota Tundra in the upcoming Craftsman Truck Series Paramount Health Insurance 200 on June 18 at Michigan International Speedway.

Ken Schrader Credit: Autostock

Schrader has his own Truck Series operation that fields Federated Chevrolets in a limited schedule, while the veteran drives Dodges in Nextel Cup for BAM Racing.

"After a successful second half to the 2004 season, we've had a rather slow start this year," said Pat Wall, NCTS program manager at Toyota Racing Development. "We've asked Darrell Waltrip Motorsports to help us evaluate the overall Tundra package in order to enable us to continue to be successful."

Overall, Toyota has recorded four wins, seven pole positions, 31 top-five and 68 top-10 finishes since the beginning of the 2004 season.

"Toyota was very successful during their first year of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition," Waltrip said. "We welcome the opportunity to field a third truck for Toyota.

"I know that Bobby Kennedy and our group will do everything possible to make this a successful endeavor. Having a third truck at Michigan will not only be valuable to TRD, but it will be beneficial to both of our teams throughout the rest of the season."

Live race coverage of the Craftsman Truck Series event at Michigan begins at 3:15 ET on SPEED Channel and the affiliate network of MRN Radio.