Speed Aiming for 2008 Cup Debut, Ambrose to Cup in 2009

Former F1 driver Scott Speed hopes to make his first NASCAR Sprint Cup debut before the conclusion of the 2008 season.

In a recent interview with Autosport magazine, Speed said that he will test a Sprint Cup car for Red Bull Racing later this month. Speed also mentioned that his focus will be racing full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series next year, paring that with occasional Cup outings.

Personally, I'll be glad to welcome Speed to the Cup Series. A lot of people don't like him. They think he has a bad attitude, or he's arrogant. I like Speed, a think he has the potential to be a talent in the Cup Series sometime down the road.

The rumors of JTG Racing moving the the Cup Series in 2009 have been confirmed. Marcos Ambrose will be the driver of the car. The team is now named JTG Daugherty Racing because ESPN "analyst" Brad Daugherty has bought part-ownership of the team. The team will continue to field two Nationwide Series cars next season, but will also field a Cup car with Ambrose behind the wheel. The car number will be #47, and it will be sponsored by Little Debbie snack cakes.

Personally, I'm glad Marcos Ambrose gets a shot at Cup. Albeit with a lack-luster team. I hate Brad Daugherty though, and I believe the only reason he's in ESPN's booth is because he's a minority. He offers no knowledge to fans watching the race. He just makes predictions and comments on his mood towards the race.

Personally, I'd like Kelly Bires to get the ride instead of Ambrose. Bires is younger by years, and has more potential, in my opinion. Plus, he's done much better in the Nationwide Series this year despite a lot of bad luck as far as equipment is concerned. I know Ambrose did good at Infineon early this year in the Cup Series, but you have to realize that road courses are his specialty. He tried to qualify in the #21 at New Hampshire, but failed to make the race.