Waltrip signs younger Truex to development deal

Michael Waltrip Racing has signed the 17-year-old brother of Sprint Cup regular Martin Truex Jr. as a development driver.

Ryan Truex will begin his new association this weekend in the NASCAR Camping World East series season-opener at Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Carolina.

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Last season, Truex finished 11th at Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut in his East debut and only career start while driving a car prepared by Dale Earnhardt Inc.

"Pairing with a racing organization like Michael Waltrip Racing is a great opportunity for me," Truex said. "MWR is really coming on strong this year in the Cup Series and I hope to learn a lot from just being there each week."

"In essence, Ryan was ready to move to the next level," said Ty Norris, general manager for the Waltrip team. "The Truexes had the cars and the engines, but needed someone to house [them], employ the staff and operate the team. I've known the Truexes since we approached Truex Jr. about driving for DEI's Nationwide team in 2003.

"Ryan has the bloodline and needed the opportunity, so we partnered in this entry. We heard he was aggressive and fast and we can't wait to see him compete."

Truex started racing four years ago in a bandolero at Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey. He graduated to legends and won a speedway championship at the track in 2007. Last season, Truex raced a family owned late model at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va.