Stephen Leicht will make two Cup starts in a row Credit: Autostock

Leicht set to make Cup debut at Pocono

RYR development driver will also make attempt at Brickyard

Team Press Release -- MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Robert Yates Racing announced Saturday that Stephen Leicht, driver of RYR's No. 90 CitiFinancial Ford in the Busch Series, will attempt to make his Nextel Cup Series debut at Pocono Raceway next Sunday.

Leicht, 19, will also attempt to become the youngest driver to compete in the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Aug. 6.

Leicht wrapped up a two-day test session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier this week, posting the sixth-fastest time among drivers on Wednesday.

"It's a dream come true to have the opportunity to qualify for my first NASCAR Nextel Cup race," Leicht said. "I've never been to Pocono but I feel confident about our chances because we had a great test in Indy this week. CitiFinancial and Robert Yates Racing are giving me an incredible opportunity and I want to make the most of it."

Leicht made his eighth Busch start this season Saturday at New Hampshire. In his previous seven races, he has one top-10 finish.

In the New England 200, Leicht was swept up in an accident just before halfway that was caused when veterans Denny Hamlin and Reed Sorenson crashed when they attempted to enter Turn 1 three-wide. Leicht came out of the pits just after halfway in 33rd, 18 laps down.

RYR will utilize Matt McCall, who has four starts as co-driver of the No. 90 CitiFinancial Ford, for the Busch Series' Goody's 250 at Martinsville Speedway on July 22 -- which conflicts with practice and qualifying at Pocono.

"I'm looking forward to getting back in the CitiFinancial Ford," McCall said. "I have raced at Martinsville a few times so it will be nice to return to a track where I have some experience. Things have been moving in the right direction for the Busch program at Robert Yates Racing and I'm looking forward to contributing to the success."

This will be the first Nextel Cup event for CitiFinancial Racing. They joined Robert Yates Racing in 2005 for a partial season and currently compete full-time in the Busch Series.

Both Leicht and CitiFinancial have been involved in the rumor mill concerning RYR's 2007 plans. With Dale Jarrett and sponsor UPS already slated to move to Michael Waltrip Racing and Elliott Sadler reportedly considering other offers; Leicht and CitiFinancial have been cited as possibilities for one of RYR's programs.