CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing announced today Brett Moffitt will drive the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 1.
The 22-year-old Grimes, Iowa native replaces Brian Vickers whose return from December heart surgery begins the following weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“What a great honor and opportunity,” said Moffitt. “I hate that Brian has to miss the first two races of the season, but everyone is glad he is coming back at Las Vegas. My goal is to work closely with (Crew Chief) Billy Scott and the guys and get the most out of the Aaron’s Dream Machine that I can.
“This is the best car I will have ever driven and I know my role is to leave Atlanta with a result that will make MWR, Aaron’s and the 55 team happy they showed faith in me.”
Moffitt has worked with MWR and Toyota Racing Development for the past few years as a test and development driver. Moffitt is a nine-time winner in K&N Pro Series East competition and raced in eight NASCAR Sprint Cup races driving the No. 66 for Jay Robinson Racing/MWR in 2014.
Scott said Moffitt was the team’s clear choice.
“Brett was the first guy we thought of when we knew we needed a driver for Atlanta. He’s been part of MWR for several years. We’ve worked with him at tests and in the shop. The only thing missing from Brett’s career is an opportunity and I think Atlanta will be a track where he shows everyone how much talent he has.”
MWR founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 55 in the 2015 Daytona 500.
