Former 1988 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion Bill Elliott has agreed to a race-by-race deal to drive the No. 21 Little Debbie/Motorcraft/Air Force/Ore-Ida Ford Fusion, starting at the Coca-Cola 600 weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Bill Elliott has over 30 years of Cup racing experience, with 756 starts and 44 wins at the series’ top level. Elliott has a past-champion's provisional at his disposal if he fails to qualify on speed. Elliott will drive the No. 21 Air Force Ford Fusion in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Jon Wood is slated to drive the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford this weekend in the Nextel Open event.

What the team has to say:

Bill Elliott, driver of the No. 21 Wood Brothers/JTG Ford Fusion
“I was pretty honored to get a call from the Wood Brothers to drive the 21 car. I’ve seen them struggle the last few weeks, being outside the top 35, and it breaks my heart to see them miss races. I hope I can get in the car, get us qualified well every week and see what we can make up in the points battle along the way.

Eddie and Len and, in fact, Glen and Leonard, have always been very close and dear friends of mine and I’m very glad to be able to help them out.”

Ken Schrader, team driver of Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
“I see the need for it at this time. I want to see this team move forward as quickly as possible and I think the plan we have in place will allow that to happen. Down the road, we can re-evaluate where we stand. I’ll look forward to being back in the seat soon.”

Jon Wood, team driver of Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
Schrader’s teammate Jon Wood, slated to originally drive the No. 21 Air Force Ford Fusion in the Coca-Cola 600 in what would have been his second Cup start of the year, also sees the benefit in the temporary change. “In my honest opinion, the 600 is the one of the most important and sought after races to be a part of, especially due to our involvement with the United States Air Force and the event being on Memorial Day,” said Jon Wood. When asked about his feelings on the decision, Jon stated, “I look at this as an opportunity, rather than a disappointment. Bill is a tremendously successful driver and the fact that no pressure will be on anybody in terms of making the race is what makes this a sound decision at this time,” he added.

Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
“We certainly welcome Bill Elliott back to the Ford Racing Camp, where he’s had so much previous success,” stated team owner Eddie Wood. “Bill and our family have been great and close friends for over 30 years, and it’s more special to us than we can put into words that he’ll be getting behind the wheel of the 21 car. Ken Schrader and Jon Wood are the ultimate team players. They are looking beyond their own interests toward what is best for the company right now. We look forward to working with both of them as the season progresses. Right now, what’s best for everyone involved is for the No. 21 team to gain ground in the points battle. Bill Elliott is a long-time friend and we certainly appreciate his help right now,” he added.

Tad Geschickter, president of Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
“We owe it to our sponsors to be in every race. This move gives us the best opportunity to move the No. 21 higher in the Nextel Cup points. Our drivers, sponsors and employees have all given their full support to this plan.”

Chris McKee, VP of Sales & Marketing, Little Debbie Snacks
“We are very pleased that Wood Brothers/JTG Racing put together this plan to keep us racing, and we are very grateful that champion Bill Elliott is joining Ken and Jon as team drivers. All the folks at Wood Brothers/JTG Racing have been great to work with and are working very hard to win races, as well as advance the Little Debbie and Sunbelt brands.”

Telisa Roberson-Yancy, Marketing Manager, Motorcraft Parts & Service
“Bill Elliott is a wonderful driver and personality with a great history in the sport and we’re pretty excited about his joining up with the Wood Brothers/JTG team.”

Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology
“We’re excited that Bill Elliott is finally coming back home to a Ford race car. There are still a lot of Ford fans who remember fondly what Bill meant to our program for so many years. Bill’s record as a driver and a champion stands for itself, and he’s a solid veteran who we believe will give great feedback to the Wood Brothers and us on how to further advance our efforts in developing the Fusion this season. We look forward to a great run for him and the No. 21 Air Force team in Charlotte.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Jeffrey Cheatham, PR – Wood Brothers/JTG Racing, (704) 658-6098