Concord, NC (September 18, 2006) - Roush Racing announced today that 20 year-old Canadian Peter Shepherd will drive the No. 6 Scotts Miracle-Gro Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 23. Shepherd will make his third truck series start of his career and the 2006 season, but his first in the No. 6 Ford. Shepherd was named the driver after teammate David Ragan was entered in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series races at Dover.
"I'm really fortunate to be in the position I'm in with Roush Racing and the opportunities they give me," said Shepherd. "The Scotts crew is right up there in the battle for the Craftsman Truck Series owner's championship, so it's important that we have a good run to help them stay up there in the points battle. Mike Beam and all their guys have done a really good job all year and I hope that I can give them a good finish in Las Vegas."
Shepherd was selected as one of the 25 finalists for Roush Racing's Driver X competition in 2005. Following a stellar performance at Martinsville, Shepherd advanced to the second round of the competition at Darlington, where he continued to impress team owner Jack Roush.
"When I saw Peter's performance at Martinsville, it reminded me so much of a young Mark Martin, someone who has the ability to learn and adapt very quickly," said Roush. "He's the most talented 19-year old I've ever seen."
Shepherd joins Mark Martin, David Ragan and Auggie Vidovich as drivers who have seen time in the No. 6 in 2006. The Scotts team currently sits third in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner points, 182 out of the lead. Mark Martin is currently tied with Johnny Benson for most series wins in 2006 at four races each.
- From Roush Racing
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