Ryan Truex to run 6 Nationwide races for MWR

Happy Birthday, Ryan Truex. Welcome to the Nationwide Series.

Truex, the reigning K&N Filters Pro Series East champion, will run six Nationwide races in 2010 for Michael Waltrip Racing, the team announced this week. Truex turned 18 on Thursday, making him eligible to compete in NASCAR's top developmental series.

In addition to his Nationwide stint, Truex will run a full schedule in the East Series as he attempts to defend his title. Truex won three races in the former Camping World East Series en route to his championship last season.

“I’m a racer and the best present anyone can give me is a chance to race,” Truex said. “Now I have a full plate of racing in the East Series in 2010 and six Nationwide races. Our eye is on running full-time Nationwide in 2011, so I couldn’t be happier.”

Truex's Nationwide debut will be July 17 at Gateway International Raceway. He is also scheduled to compete in the events at Michigan, Richmond, Kansas, the fall Charlotte race and Homestead-Miami Speedway. MWR is seeking sponsorship for those six races and for a full-time Nationwide ride for Truex in 2011.

Team co-owner Michael Waltrip said Truex is ready for the challenge of racing in the Nationwide Series.

“Ryan Truex gave Michael Waltrip Racing its first championship last season when he won the K&N Filters Pro Series East championship so he’ll always be my hero,” Waltrip said. “He’s a fantastic young driver and we feel he is ready to step up to the Nationwide Series." 

The East Series 2010 season opener will be March 27 at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in South Carolina. The race will be broadcast on April 1 at 6 p.m. ET on SPEED.

Truex is the younger brother of NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. The elder Truex pilots the No. 56 NAPA Toyota for MWR in the Sprint Cup Series.