Jimmy Spencer has four top-10 finishes at Martinsville. Credit: Autostock

Spencer to take over for Sherman at Martinsville

Rookie set to take wheel back next weekend at Texas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- BAM Racing announced Tuesday that NASCAR Nextel Cup veteran Jimmy Spencer will drive the No. 49 Dodge Charger at Martinsville Speedway this weekend.

	Inside the Numbers Brent Sherman in 2006 Track Start Finish Daytona 29 21 Fontana 42 27 Las Vegas 41 34 Atlanta 40 36 Bristol 31 42 Average 36.6 34.0

Spencer will join BAM Racing as an advisor for the team and mentor for rookie driver Brent Sherman. Spencer may run several additional races with BAM Racing this season, either in the No. 49 Dodge or another car.

"I enjoy working with young drivers as they progress through the ranks of NASCAR," Spencer said. "Brent has the determination and support it takes to compete at this level. I hope to be able to help him make a successful transition to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series."

"The team has made this decision due to the fact that NASCAR will not allow rookie drivers any test sessions at Martinsville," team general manager Eddie Jones said.

"Brent has never been to Martinsville before and our hope is that Jimmy will be able to provide him with the guidance it takes to compete at short tracks."

In 28 Nextel Cup starts at Martinsville Speedway, Spencer has captured one top-five and four top-10 finishes. His best finish at the track is third, which came in the fall race of 1993.

"I believe the team is being fair in its decision for this weekend," Sherman said. "Although I am not currently in a championship race, the team is in a points race. I always welcome opportunities that are presented to me, and to work with a veteran like Jimmy Spencer is a great opportunity. I hope that this decision will not only benefit me, but the team as well."

Sherman will return to driving duties for the No. 49 Dodge Charger for the upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway.