Braun Racing, which was recently acquired by Turner Motorsports, announced USAC star and Camping World Truck Series driver Brad Sweet will make his Nationwide Series debut Saturday at Gateway International Raceway.
The 24-year-old will pilot the No. 11 Toyota in the series' final visit to the 1.25-mile St. Louis-based oval.
Sweet drives for Kasey Kahne Racing and he's eighth in the USAC national Midget championship point standings. He has made eight Truck Series starts for Stringer Motorsports.
Sweet made a name for himself driving USAC Midgets and Sprint cars for KKR before making his Truck debut at Phoenix in 2009. Sweet has claimed such prestigious wins as the Belleville Midget Nationals, the Knoxville Midget Nationals and both the Sprint car and Midget "Four Crown Nationals" at Eldora Speedway during his open-wheel racing career. In 2009, he was the runner-up in the USAC national Midget championship.
Sweet will make the transition into Nationwide with the continued guidance and support of Kahne, who is now not just his owner but his teammate as well.
The young driver is excited to have the opportunity to make the jump into Nationwide.
"I'm looking forward to making my Nationwide Series debut," Sweet said. "I'm really looking forward to taking the next step in my racing career. I would like to thank everyone at Great Clips, Braun Racing and Turner Motorsports for this opportunity."
Doug Stringer, owner of Stringer Motorsports, is proud to see his young driver moving up the NASCAR ranks and into Nationwide.
"I think that this is a great opportunity for Brad to showcase his talents at the next level. Having watched his progress in the Truck Series for the last two seasons, I am excited to watch him make his Nationwide Series debut this weekend."
