Clauson to make Cup debut for Ganassi in Charlotte

Bryan Clauson will make his Sprint Cup debut Saturday night in the Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway when Chip Ganassi Racing brings its No. 40 Dodge back on the track for the first time since Dario Franchitti's last Cup race with the team at New Hampshire in June.

Clauson

Clauson, 19, has a pole, a top-five and a two top-10s in 18 Nationwide Series races this season and is second in the Nationwide rookie standings, one point behind leader Landon Cassill.

"I couldn't be more excited about getting onto the track for my first Sprint Cup event," Clauson said. "This weekend I get the opportunity to live my childhood dream of actually participating in Sprint Cup racing action."

No decision has been made on whether Clauson will make more Cup starts this season, or if he will take over the No. 41 Dodge when current driver Reed Sorenson leaves for Gillett Evernham Motorsports at the end of the season.

Ganassi officials feel that Clauson has earned this opportunity and it will help with his growth going forward.

"Bryan has done a super job in the Nationwide Series and his development is paramount to us as we move into 2009 and beyond," Steve Lauletta, president of Chip Ganassi Racing teams said. "We are thrilled about the opportunity for Bryan to get into a Cup car."

Swan: Clauson is the future of Chip Ganassi Racing