Bill Elliott to return to Daytona

Veteran Elliott, who won the prestigious event in 1985 and 1987, hasn't raced in the Daytona 500 since he switched to a part-time schedule in 2004. He will race the number 36 Chevrolet that was been piloted by Boris Said on selected races last season.

The 50 year-old will also compete in the preceding week's Bud Shootout event, reserved for 2005 polesitters and previous shootout winners. Elliott qualifies thanks to victory in the shootout in 1987.

Frank Stoddard will serve as Elliott's crew chief for both races and also oversee Elliott's Daytona test session next week. Elliott partners Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek at the team for Daytona.

"Daytona is a special place and the 500 is a special race," Elliott said. "I haven't reached the point where I am content to watch this race on television. I would rather be part of the action - it's the big show."

The team are still working to put together the sponsorship necessary to run a limited schedule of races for Said in the season.