Formula One refugee Scott Speed has been officially confirmed as part of Team Red Bull's stock car line-up for next season, after agreeing to race the #2 Toyota Camry with Eddie Sharp Racing in the ARCA Re/MAX Series.

Speed's connection with Red Bull dates back to 2002, when he won its search to find an American for Formula One, but was dumped by Scuderia Toro Rosso after a falling-out with team boss Franz Tost at the European Grand Prix in July. He returned to the United States in search of future employment and, retaining his links with the drinks brand, was immediately connected to the Toyota stock car programme.

“Red Bull started investing in Scott's racing career a long time ago so, when he wanted the chance to drive stock cars, we wanted to help integrate him into the sport by earning his way up through the ranks," Team Red Bull vice-president of competition Gunther Steiner explained, "Scott's a very technical driver with a lot of raw talent. He'll be facing a lot of new challenges next year, but there's no doubt that he has the skills to someday make it to the highest level in NASCAR.”

Expected to form part of Team Red Bull's Cup Series team in the future, Speed will start his new career in the lower ranks of the ARCA series, although Red Bull has said that it may consider occasional opportunities in other NASCAR arenas as 2008 progresses.
“I'm really excited to race ARCA because it's an opportunity to learn a completely new animal for me - stock car racing - without being put under a huge spotlight," Speed said, clearly relieved not to have followed fellow F1 refugees Juan Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve straight into the top flight.

"One of the great things about ARCA is that you have a whole field full of young guys like me just trying to make a name in this sport. It's hard to judge the level of competition I'll face next year, but that's just part of the fun.”

Patrick Donahue will serve as his crew chief for Speed's rookie campaign with Eddie Sharp Racing, one of the leading operations in the ARCA field.

“The programme we've put together is a win-win situation for both Scott and our team," team owner Sharp commented, "We've worked hard to attract drivers of Scott's calibre and put them in competitive equipment with an experienced team. It's always nice to learn from a driver who has a fresh new outlook on the sport. There's a lot of excitement rushing through our shop right now to get next year started.”