Elliott will race Showdown in Wood Brothers' No. 21

The Wood Brothers will enter Bill Elliott in the No. 21 Ford for the Sprint Showdown race and try to make the All-Star race on May 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

"We made the decision to run the race because it gives us track time for the Coca-Cola 600 [to be run the following weekend] and gives our sponsors another marketing opportunity -- not to mention it's a fun event and five minutes from our shop," said team co-owner Len Wood.

Elliott can make the All-Star race by finishing first or second in the Showdown or by being voted in by the fans.