Robby Gordon finished 12th in his only other Busch Series start at Michigan. Credit: Autostock

R. Gordon to drive No. 88 Chevy at MIS, Fontana

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- JR Motorsports announced Monday that Robby Gordon will take the helm of the No. 88 Navy Accelerate Your Life Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for the Busch Series events at Michigan International Speedway and California Speedway.

Team officials confirmed Monday they will use Gordon for those races because Shane Huffman, 32, whom the team plans to use for the remainder of the series in the car, has yet to receive clearance for those venues.

"We're looking to improve our performance in the Busch Series, so we've been making changes to get to where we need to be," team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. "Martin [Truex Jr.] was a big help last week and we're going to continue our due diligence with Robby Gordon this weekend in Michigan. He brings a ton of experience and will be able to relay some good feedback on our cars.

"Robby's got more on his resume than any driver in the series, he's raced in everything from the Indianapolis 500 to the Baja 1000, and I appreciate the fact that he's willing to help JR Motorsports out."

Gordon has one previous Busch Series start at each track and finished 12th in both races.

"The U.S. Navy is very proud to be associated with JR Motorsports. Martin really hung in there last week and acted as a sailor to get the job done," said Senior Chief Jeff Priest, the Navy's Motorsports Program Manager.

"We are also looking forward to Robby's performance this week and continue to support Dale Jr. and the team as we continue this season and next. It is an exciting time for the Navy and JR Motorsports."

Huffman, the 2003 Hooters Pro Cup champion, was signed by JR to run the No. 83 in the Pro Cup series this season. This past Saturday, Huffman scored his fourth Pro Cup series win of the year, at Peach State Speedway in Jefferson, Ga.

Greg Engle of the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service contributed to this report.