Fresh Faces in Charlotte

Two of NASCAR’s rising stars are making their Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend in front of their home crowd at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Part of the Drive for Diversity program, Kyle Larson is in his Rookie year in the Nationwide Series. With eight top-5 finishes already this season, he has been competitive and has impressed fellow drivers and fans alike. Just a few weeks ago, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing announced that Larson would be replacing Juan Pablo Montoya in the No.42 Target Chevrolet.

Moving up to the Sprint Cup Series after just one season in the Nationwide Series could be a challenge for the 21-year old driver. Larson, in a partnership with Phoenix Racing, will pilot the No.51 Chevrolet for the Bank of America 500.

After four full seasons in the Nationwide Series, 25-year old Brian Scott will finally get his chance to race in NASCAR’s top series. Currently driving the No.2 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Scott has one pole award and two runner-ups finishes this season.

This weekend, Scott will debut in the No.33 Little Joe’s Racing Chevrolet in a partnership with Richard Childress Racing.  Making major strides in his career, Scott has led 253 laps this season, up from just 11 laps in 2012. His most memorable performance came just a few weeks ago at Richmond; Scott started on the pole and led 239 of 250 laps before being passed by Brad Keselowski and finishing second.

Both of these talented drivers have worked their way to the top and getting a chance to prove their skills in the Sprint Cup Series will be important in making that final step up to the highest level. Making the first start into the Cup Series can be daunting but with the talent that these two possess, it won’t be long before they make it to the top.