Mike Skinner is listed in the Michigan entry list as the driver of the #00 Champion Mortgage Toyota field by Michael Waltrip Racing, no word on what is up with regular driver Michael McDowell. Michigan Sprint Cup Entry Page)(8-11-2008)
UPDATE: Sprint Cup rookie Michael McDowell said he supports Michael Waltrip Racing’s decision to replace him with Mike Skinner in the 3M Performance 400 this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. McDowell, whose #00 team is currently outside the top 35 in owner points, said in a statement that he’s in favor of doing “whatever it takes to improve the performance of our team. No driver wants to get out of the car, but I understand that every part of our program needs to be evaluated, and that certainly includes me,” McDowell said. “I plan to support Mike Skinner and our team any way I can, and hopefully learn some things that will help when I get back in the car.”(SceneDaily)(8-12-2008)
UPDATE 2: Mike Skinner will assist Michael Waltrip Racing in efforts to evaluate its 18-month-old full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series program by racing the #00 Champion Mortgage Toyota Camry at Michigan International Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and California Speedway. “Michael Waltrip Racing is fully committed to our sponsors, the success of our race teams and ensuring Michael McDowell, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and I have the necessary tools to succeed as drivers,” Waltrip said. “We’ve asked Mike Skinner to evaluate areas where we can improve our on-track performance. I thought he did a really nice job of working with Red Bull and A.J. Allmendinger earlier this year and our #00 Champion Mortgage team could use the same experienced insight.”(Michael Waltrip Racing PR)(8-13-2008)
