Schrader returns to No. 49 for Indy; Bliss coming back

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- BAM Racing announced Thursday that Ken Schrader will drive the No. 49 Dodge in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis.

"We are very grateful to Wood Brothers Racing for allowing Schrader to drive the No. 49 Dodge in Indy," team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau said. "We had great success and great fun with Schrader in the three years that he drove for BAM Racing. We are thrilled to have him join us for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard."

Schrader joined BAM in 2003. He left after the 2005 season to join the Wood Bothers.

The team also announced the return of Dean Johnson and David Hyder. Johnson assumes the role of crew chief and Hyder will serve as suspension specialist.

Driver Mike Bliss also will return to BAM on a full-time basis, beginning at Pocono.

"We are so excited to have Dean, David and Mike back together again," Morgenthau said. "No one can deny that there is a unique chemistry between this combination that equates to consistently strong on-track results.

"Although we have faced difficulties this season, everyone involved is committed to turning our program around across the board."

Bliss already has started four races this year for BAM -- Atlanta, Bristol, Martinsville and Texas. He best finish was a 17th-place run at Bristol.

Last season, Johnson served as crew chief for two races and the team successfully qualified on time in Bristol and California. He assumed the role of chassis specialist for the remainder of the season.