Bayne to Drive #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford in 2011: Wood Brothers Racing has announced that 19-year old rookie driver Trevor Bayne will pilot the iconic #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion during the 2011 season. Throughout their 61 years of racing in NASCAR the Wood Brothers historically have entrusted their cars to veteran drivers, but they acknowledge that Bayne is not just any rookie. Bayne made his Sprint Cup debut in the #21 last season at Texas; qualifying in on speed and finishing 17th in the race. With the strong Texas performance behind them, the Woods and Bayne plan to run the first five races on the Sprint Cup schedule, then make selected appearances over the remainder of the season, with an expected total of 17 starts and possibly more. Veteran Donnie Wingo returns to crew chief the team in 2011.
Its pretty awesome that the Wood Brothers have the confidence in me to believe that I can do it as a rookie, said Bayne, who will turn 20 on the day before the Daytona 500. That says a lot about our relationship already.
Eddie Wood, co-owner of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion, said NASCARs oldest team is excited to get back to the track with its youngest Sprint Cup driver ever. Were really excited to be starting the season with Trevor, Wood said. Its something new for us. We had a good race at Texas last year. Thats where it all started. Baynes early racing years also have other similarities to the Woods, including the ability to capture checkered flags. In addition to their triumphs in other racing series, the Woods have won 97 Sprint Cup races and 118 poles in Sprint Cup alone since 1953. Bayne said hes eager to prove that hes ready to race in NASCARs top series. Im looking forward to my first year in Cup, he said. I know its not full time, but its been my dream since I was five years old. And you couldnt ask for a better group of people to have behind you. Donnie Wingo has been incredible, and he and the guys on the team have lot of experience and have been great mentors. Hopefully well continue to gain momentum and represent the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team well, on and off the track.(Wood Brothers Racing)(1-20-2011)
