Speed to race full-time for Red Bull

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- Scott Speed will race full-time next season in NASCAR's elite Sprint Cup Series, a move anticipated since Red Bull Racing released AJ Allmendinger to make room for the former Formula One driver.

The team will change the Toyota from the No. 84 to No. 82 to accommodate Speed, who has been training for NASCAR since his summer 2007 release from Red Bull's F1 team. Jimmy Elledge will be his crew chief.

Speed ran the final five Cup races of the year, and his best finish was 16th in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway when he drove teammate Brian Vickers' car.

Vickers, meanwhile, will return to the No. 83 for a third season and will have a new crew chief. Ryan Pemberton left Michael Waltrip Racing to become Vickers' third crew chief in as many years

"Brian and Ryan are each at a point in their respective careers where they can bring home wins and make a run for the championship," said Red Bull general manager Jay Fryer. "Scott earned his Sprint Cup ride by exceeding our expectations in ARCA and Trucks. He has a great asset in Jimmy, who has experience working with both rookies and open-wheel drivers."

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