Red Bull Racing Team announced that Swedish DTM driver Mattias Ekström will return to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway for the Air Guard 400. Ekström will drive the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota substituting for one more time Brian Vickers who is still undergoing medical treatment for his blood clots problem, instead of Reed Sorenson who was driving the car during Cup's summer races.In June, Ekström delivered a solid performance at Infineon Raceway in his first NASCAR race, leading 7 laps although finishing 21st proving his roadcourse skills. Since then, Ekström was replaced by Reed Sorenson for the oval Sprint Cup races during the summer but he kept testing with the Red Bull Racing team at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia and North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina before attempting to race in an oval speedway.
Jay Frye, RBR vice president and general manager.
"Mattias did a great job in Sonoma, and continues to impress at the oval track testing sessions. He has earned this opportunity, showing continued improvement every time he is behind the wheel."
Ekström, a Red Bull-supported driver for the past 9 years, claimed his first victory of 2010 in the second round of the DTM Championship in Valencia, Spain. He is currently fifth in the DTM standings and has 14 career victories.
Ekström commented:
"To do a race on an oval is something different – it’s a lot of laps and a lot of cars. Racing in Richmond will be one of the biggest tasks of my life so far, but I feel I am ready for the challenge."
Ekstrom's selection for an oval race increases rumours for a 3 or even 4 car 2011 Sprint Cup program for RedBull Team. Although struggling Sorenson isn't a clear threat, Vickers 2011 return, and Kahne's lineup for 2011 in combination with a potential full season lineup for Ekstrom caused by a satisfactory Air Guard 400 performance might make things too tight for Speed's future in the team after 2 not so Speedy seasons.
