Spencer gets Texas ride

Spencer's deal to race the Chevrolet is currently a trial run for one race only, the Radio Shack 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway, but team owner Larry McClure said he wanted the experienced Spencer to drive the car for "several races".

Spencer, 47, said: "I'm happy to be in the car. I know I don't have a lot of years left to drive in this sport. I'm not real sure what to expect with the new Goodyear tyres. I think once I take the race car around the track a few laps, it will give me a better idea of what the car needs."

McClure said he had been disappointed with the team's results so far this season. "We are changing drivers to evaluate our team," he explained. "Jimmy Spencer has a lot of experience, which should help us determine a positive direction for the team."

He has not raced since this year's Daytona 500 in February, after which Jim Smith's Ultra Motorsports team folded due to a lack of sponsorship. Spencer's only two Cup race wins came in 1994 for Junior Johnson's squad.