In 16 career starts, David Stremme's best finish is 16th at Chicago in his Cup debut on July 10, 2005. Credit: Autostock

Stremme out, Pruett in for Ganassi at Sonoma

CONCORD, N.C. -- Chip Ganassi Racing on Wednesday announced that Scott Pruett will replace David Stremme as driver of the No. 40 Dodge in the road course race at Infineon Raceway on June 25.

Stremme will resume driving duties at Daytona International Speedway on July 1.

Scott Pruett has three top-five finishes in nine Cup Series starts at road courses. Credit: Autostock

"I have been very pleased with the strides that David and the 40 car have made over the last several weeks and David is an important part of the future of Chip Ganassi Racing," Ganassi said. "But in Scott Pruett we have one of the best road course drivers in all of racing and once again have the luxury of being able to utilize that expertise."

Pruett has 37 Cup starts, six during the past five seasons for Ganassi with three top-five and four top-10 finishes. Two of those starts came at Infineon Raceway, with a best showing of third in 2004.

"The relationship I've had with Chip and the whole Ganassi organization over the past few years has been outstanding, and I love the balance of running the Rolex Series with the Nextel Cup races," Pruett said. "We've had a lot of success this season in the Daytona Prototypes already, but a personal goal of mine has always been to get a NASCAR win under my belt."

In 2005, Pruett drove the No. 40 car at Watkins Glen International when he subbed for Sterling Marlin. After a fourth Ganassi-prepared car was unable to qualify for the race due to inclement weather, Pruett stepped into Marlin's car, started 43rd and finished fourth -- marking the highest finish for the No. 40 car in 2005.

Stremme has made 15 starts in the Cup Series and is 36th in the point standings. He had his highest starting position of fourth at Darlington Raceway, and at Texas Motor Speedway in April he finished 21st, his highest finish of the season.