Allmendinger to run two NCTS races for BDR

HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Bill Davis Racing has announced that four-time 2006 Champ Car World Series race winner A.J. Allmendinger will join the team's Craftsman Truck Series lineup, in a fourth truck, for two races later this season.

Allmendinger, who is currently second in the Champ Car World Series championship after 11 of 14 races, will drive the No. 24 Toyota Tundra for BDR at the Truck Series' next race, at New Hampshire International Speedway on Sept. 16, and three weeks later at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 7.

"When I had the opportunity a few months ago to explore my career options, I really wanted to try my hand at something in the stock-car arena," Allmendinger, 24, said. "We began making phone calls and this opportunity with Bill Davis Racing really came about from that.

"I'm grateful to Bill Davis and the entire BDR team for giving me the chance to take on a new challenge. I also want to thank my Champ Car team owner Gerry Forsythe and the Forsythe/Indeck team for supporting me as I try something new."

"A.J. Allmendinger was interested in exploring his options and abilities in NASCAR and Bill Davis Racing has always had an interest in looking at new talent," Davis said. "We look forward to working with A.J. for a couple of races and I'm confident his open-wheel success will carry over into his NASCAR endeavors."

In preparation for his upcoming races, Allmendinger completed a brief test session with the BDR Craftsman Truck crew on Aug. 29 at Richmond International Raceway.

BDR currently fields Toyota Tundras for Johnny Benson, who has three wins and is second in the championship with eight races remaining; Mike Skinner, who has three Bud Poles and is 15th in points; and Bill Lester, who is 22nd in points.