Johnny Sauter finished eighth in the Busch Series standings this year. Credit: Autostock

Sauter tabbed to drive No. 70 for Haas CNC

Johnny Sauter is returning to the Nextel Cup Series, and will drive the No. 70 Chevrolet for Haas CNC Racing in 2007.

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Sauter has started 32 Cup races across four different seasons. He ran 16 races in 2004 for Richard Childress and James Finch and 10 in '05 for Finch. Sauter has one top-10 finish, a ninth-place showing in Phoenix on April 23, 2005.

He finished eighth in the Busch Series standings this year, one of only two drivers -- along with sixth-place Paul Menard -- in the top 10 who did not also run full time in the Cup Series.

Sauter, 28, has three victories in 175 Busch Series starts. He also has 10 starts in the Truck Series.

Jeff Green, who finished 28th in the driver standings, will continue to drive the No. 66 for Haas CNC.