NASCAR Cup

Leicht to make Cup debut at Pocono

Robert Yates Racing development driver Stephen Leicht will make his NASCAR Nextel Cup series debut at Pocono International Raceway next weekend. Leicht, 19, will also attempt to qualify for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis in August. If he makes ...

Edited: Jul 16, 2006, 2:39 AM

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Robert Yates Racing development driver Stephen Leicht will make his NASCAR Nextel Cup series debut at Pocono International Raceway next weekend. Leicht, 19, will also attempt to qualify for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis in August. If he makes the field he will become the youngest driver to ever compete in that event.

"It's a dream come true to have the opportunity to qualify for my first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race," said Leicht. "I've never been to Pocono but I feel confident about our chances because we had a great test in Indy this week. CitiFinancial and Robert Yates Racing are giving me an incredible opportunity and I want to make the most of it."

Leicht participated in Indy testing earlier this week in preparation for his two attempts in the Cup series. He had the fifth quickest time in the afternoon session on Monday and the sixth fastest time in Wednesday's session.

Development driver Matt McCall will drive the No. 90 CitiFinancial Ford Busch car at Martinsville Speedway while Leicht is concentrating on making his first Cup race.

Leicht and McCall were both brought on as Yates tried to develop their ARCA and Busch programs. Due to the departure of Dale Jarrett and the shaky status of Elliott Sadler, Leicht is thought to be the heir apparent for a Cup ride next season if he can prove he is ready for the Cup series.

This will be the first time the No. 90 Ford sponsored by CitiFinancial will attempt to make a NASCAR Nextel Cup series event.

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