Scott Speed secures 15-race NASCAR Sprint Cup deal with Leavine Family Racing

The ex-grand prix driver, who made 13 Cup starts for Whitney Motorsports this year, hopes to help the team gain competitiveness as it expands for its second season of racing.

"I am excited to team up with Bob Leavine and his guys at Leavine Family Racing," Speed said. "They have a solid group of guys working on the team and I think it will be a real fun deal.

"Our goal is to build this race team to become competitive. We know it will be baby steps, but we are all excited to get it rolling."

Leavine was formed in 2011, racing in ARCA and entering the #95 car in eight Cup races with David Starr. The team qualified for four of those races, taking a best finish of 27th at Bristol in August.

Team co-owner Bob Leavine added: "We are pleased to have Scott join our team. He is a proven driver who was the first American to race in Formula 1 since Michael Andretti, and has a lot to offer our programme."

Speed, who lost his full-time drive with Red Bull at the end of 2010, will start his 2012 campaign at Bristol in March.