BAM replaces Schrader with Sherman for 2006.

NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader has gone back on his decision to see out his Nextel Cup career with the #49 BAM Racing team, with team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau confirming current Busch Series driver Brent Sherman as the driver of the Schwan's sponsored Dodge for the 2006 season.

Schrader, who is expected to be confirmed as Ricky Rudd's replacement in the #21 Wood Brothers Ford next season, originally said that he would run his final full-time Nextel Cup season with the BAM team in conjunction with their current sponsorship deal but then backed out on the deal when Rudd announced he would be stepping back from full-time competition in 2006.

Chicago based Sherman, who has less than a full seasons worth of experience in the secondary Busch Series, has scored one top ten finish in 28 career Busch starts. However the 31 year-old did finish second to the legendary Frank Kimmel in the 2004 ARCA Championship, his second year in that series.

"We are so excited Brent Sherman will be joining us and driving for our team next season," said Ms. Morgenthau. "He has shown a lot of talent and a great deal of potential, and we think he has a bright future ahead of him in NASCAR Nextel Cup racing. We're happy that future will begin next season with BAM Racing.

"Probably the most difficult lesson for a young driver to learn is how to finish races, and Brent has already shown that ability. The fact he has failed to finish just three Busch races this season, and all three due to things beyond his control, wasn't lost on us," Ms. Morgenthau said. "He loves to go fast and does that well. Those factors, plus the fact he is such a nice young man, really have us excited about the 2006 season."

Unlike many of those who will be running for Rookie of the Year in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series next season, Sherman has never started a race in the series.

"The greatest to ever run in stock cars, from Richard Petty to David Pearson to (fellow Illinois native) Fred Lorenzen, all had to run their first race too, and I can't begin to tell you how excited I am with this opportunity," Sherman said. "We know we're up against some pretty big odds with the hugely-financed multi-car teams who are fielding rookie drivers, but everyone at BAM Racing is up for the challenge.

"I really appreciate this chance from Beth Ann and Tony, as well as (general manager) Eddie Jones, (crew chief) David Hyder, the sponsors and all of the guys on the team," Sherman continued. "We're going to work hard and be the best we can be."

With the #49 team currently lying a safe 31st in the owner's standings, Sherman is at least guaranteed a safe passage into the first five races of the 2006 season.