Speed to make Cup debut at Lowe's

Speed has been linked with the drive in the No.84 car since news broke of Allmendinger being dropped, and the former grand prix driver impressed on his first test with the team at Lowe's last week.

The team announced on Tuesday that Allmendinger will be replaced from next weekend by veteran Mike Skinner, who had already filled in for him in five races at the start of the season. Skinner will driver the No.84 car at Talladega and Lowe's, before handing it over to Speed.

The former Toro Rosso driver will try to clinch the ARCA series title at Toledo, while attempting to qualify for his Sprint Cup debut at Lowe's on the same weekend driving a third Red Bull entry, which he already tested successfully at the venue last month.

"I'm really looking forward to my first Sprint Cup race with Red Bull," Speed said. "I can't describe how much it means to walk into Red Bull Racing and feel support from everyone on the team.

"It's a huge step up the ladder and another step towards the goal of becoming a Sprint Cup champion for Red Bull. I know this team has the performance level that it takes to be competitive."

Red Bull Racing Team vice president Jay Frye said the decision to release Allmendinger and put Skinner and Speed in the car for the rest of the season is in the best interests of both parties.

"The schedule we put together is in the best interest of both Red Bull Racing Team and AJ's plans for the future," said Frye. "Allowing Mike Skinner and Scott Speed to share the No.84 for the balance of the season helps our team continue developing our program for the future."

While Speed has his future set in the Sprint Cup next year with Red Bull Racing Team, Allmendinger still has to confirm what his plans are for the reminder of the season and next year, although he remains committed to staying in NASCAR.