Tommy Baldwin Racing names new drivers

Skinner, Carpentier and Simo to Drive the No. 36 Toyota for TBR

Mooresville, N.C. (May 24, 2009) -- Mike Skinner, Patrick Carpentier and Brian Simo will share the driving duties of the Tommy Baldwin Racing Toyota for the remainder of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

Skinner will drive 17 of the remaining 25 races on the 2009 schedule. Carpentier will be behind the wheel during both Poconos, the June 28 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the September 12 race at Richmond International Speedway and wrap up with the September 27 race at Dover International Speedway. Brian Simo will navigate the No. 36 machine during the two road course events.

Skinner, a 26-time NASCAR Camping World Series winner, has 256 NSCS starts in 19 years. The Ontario, Calif., native has earned 10 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes. Additionally, he won the 2005 NCWS championship on the heels of eight wins, nine poles, 17 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes.

"Tommy and I go back a long ways and I know that he is the type of person that NASCAR needs in the Cup Series," said Skinner. "Even though my main focus is the truck, if we can help Tommy along until he finds that permanent driver that he needs to put his team to the next level, then it is an honor for me to get a chance to participate and to try and help him out."

Carpentier, a Canadian native, is best known for his career in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. The 37-year-old driver made his NASCAR debut at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Aug. 4, 2007, where he took the pole and finished second. Since then, Carpentier has made 27 NSCS starts with his best finish of 14th coming during the 2008 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

"I am extremely honored for the opportunity to drive for Tommy in five races this season," the former open-wheel driver said. "I hope I can help Tommy bring his team to the next level while I continue to improve my skills in a stock car."

"I am looking forward to having Mike, Patrick and Brian behind the wheel of the No. 36 Toyota," said Tommy Baldwin. "I think they all will be able to help us evaluate where our program is today and help make improvements to bring it to the next level."

-credit: tbr