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closeLeicht to share 29 with Burton in second series
JIM UTTER
The Charlotte Observer
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008
FONTANA, Calif. - Stephen Leicht, who has run a partial Nationwide Series schedule this season with Richard Childress Racing, will move to the organization's No. 29 Chevrolet next season and share a full-time ride with veteran Jeff Burton.
Leicht, 21, will replace Scott Wimmer, who currently splits driving time in the car with Burton. Leicht earned his first series victory in 2007 and finished seventh in points while driving for Yates Racing. He moved to RCR in the offseason.
The No. 29 won the owner championship in 2007 with Burton and Wimmer as drivers. The team is currently fourth in the series standings this season.
"There is a lot of history at Richard Childress Racing and (this) team has had a lot of success on the track. It's going to be great having Jeff Burton as a teammate," Leicht said.
Team owner Richard Childress said he was confident of Leicht's ability.
"Stephen has shown us in just a few races this season that he has the ability to be successful in the series," Childress said. "He has also helped Clint Bowyer and our No. 2 team with practice and setups during non-companion events when Clint has been at Cup Series tracks and not been able to get in the Nationwide car.
"Teaming up with Jeff Burton will only speed up (Leicht's) learning curve and help the team compete for the owner's championship."