The TD Banknorth 250 will not be former Nextel Cup driver Ricky Craven’s first race of 2006.
The Maine driver with two Cup victories, will compete in this weekend’s Busch Series race – the Goody’s 250 – at Martinsville Speedway.
Craven will drive the No. 14 Family Dollar Store Dodge for FitzBradshaw Racing. The Bradshaw is NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and FOX broadcaster Terry Bradshaw.
“Martinsville is obviously a special venue for me,” Craven said in a statement released Tuesday by FitzBradshaw. “I’m looking for positive results this week.”
Craven has posted victories at half-mile Martinsville oval in both Nextel Cup and the Craftsman’s Truck Series.
The race is scheduled to be televised on NBC beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Craven has been without a ride since racing in the truck series last year for Jack Roush.
“We’re very excited to have someone like Ricky Craven behind the wheel of the Family Dollar Dodge this weekend,” owner Armando Fitz said in a statement. “Ricky brings a wealth of knowledge and success to our team, as well as being a driver with proven results. We’re anticipating one of the most successful weekends that our team has had this season.”
The No. 14 car has competed in just 10 of the 20 races this year. Tracy Hines, Carlos Contreras and Steadman Marlin have all driven the car. The team has two top 15 finishes, with a season best of 11th by Contreras at Mexico. Hines finished 13th at Bristol.
Family Dollar will sponsor the car for nine races. It is unclear whether Craven will continue with the team after this weekend.
FitzBradshaw also owns the No. 12 Supercuts Dodge.
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