Going into this upcoming Sprint Cup Series season, one of the big storylines was the number of rookies. With Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Justin Allgaier and Parker Kligerman all set to compete for rookie of the year, the ROTY battle will be one to watch. Well, the crop just got bigger.
BK Racing announced that they have signed both Alex Bowman and Ryan Truex for the full Sprint Cup Series season in 2014. Both drivers will be competing for rookie of the year as they come into the year with some Nationwide Series experience, and both drivers tested for BK Racing at Daytona earlier this month.
Tuczon, AZ native Alex Bowman will drive the No. 23 Dr. Pepper entry. The team made the decision to change the number to signify Dr. Pepper’s original 23 flavors. Bowman drove for RAB Racing last year in the Nationwide Series, finishing 11th in points with two top fives and six top 10s.
“This is an extremely good opportunity for me,” said Bowman. “Ron (Devine) and I first started talking about the possibilities months ago. I’m happy to be a part of this organization.”
Mayetta, NJ native Ryan Truex will drive the team’s No. 83 Burger King entry. Truex ran 11 Nationwide Series races in 2012 for Michael Waltrip Racing, scoring one top five and four top 10s. He ran a single truck race this past season at Daytona for Turner-Scott Motorsports, though got caught up in a crash.
In 2009 and 2010, Truex won two consecutive NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championships.
“Driving in the Sprint Cup Series has been a goal since I started racing, and to start this next chapter with BK Racing makes it extra special,” said Truex. “I am very excited for this opportunity.”
“Alex and Ryan have always impressed me,” said team owner Ron Devine. “Both take care of their cars and have shown speed at every level they have competed in. With their abilities, we feel they can both excel in our equipment. As a team we are very excited, and their abilities to work with everyone here at BK Racing will be important.”
Team officials added that Dave Winston will crew chief the No. 23 BK Racing entry with Alex Bowman while Dale Ferguson will crew chief the No. 83 BK Racing entry for Ryan Truex.
