BAM is back in 2010

After a hiatus of more than a year, BAM Racing's #49 Toyota will return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series full time next season with a driver to be named, the team announced Sunday at Homestead.

Sponsored by Warner Music Nashville under an agreement that will feature a variety of country music artists on the car, BAM unveiled the "Larry the Cable Guy" paint scheme that will adorn the #49 Camry in the Daytona 500.

"We've been speaking to a number of drivers," said team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau.

A likely frontrunner is Ken Schrader, who competed in three races for BAM in 2008 before lack of sponsorship forced Morgenthau to park the car. Tony Morgenthau, Beth Ann's husband and chief operating officer of BAM Racing, said Friday he had met with two candidates.

"We're a fully funded team," he said, adding that the team is talking to several potential engine suppliers, including Toyota Racing Development U.S.A.

Beth Ann Morgenthau said she expected crew members currently working at Wood Brothers Racing, including crew chief David Hyder, to return to BAM.

"I do have personnel from the previous #49 team," she said. "They've been on loan to the Wood Brothers, and they're coming back. They've been training (with) the Wood Brothers."

Wood Brothers owner Eddie Wood, however, insisted Hyder would remain with his team next season.

by Reid Spencer/Sporting News