TRUCKS: Skinner signs Toyota deal to '09.

Bill Davis Racing has announced that 1995 Craftsman Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner will return to the organisation in a Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series through to the 2009 season.

Having raced for Toyota ever since the Japanese manufacturer entered the series back in 2004, team owner Bill Davies insists it was a natural choice to retain Skinner.

"We are really excited Mike will be behind the wheel of the No. 5 truck for three more years," commented Team Owner Bill Davis. "Mike and the No. 5 team have really done a great job and are a threat to win week in and week out.

"Skinner has been an important member of the NASCAR community for many years, and we are looking forward to three more great years. Toyota has proven to be a great partner both on and off the track. They know what it takes to win, and we feel that, with the Tundra and Mike Skinner, we have another shot to win a championship."

Since joining Bill Davis Racing in September 2004, Skinner has captured three wins, including a dominating victory earlier in 2006 at the newly-remodeled Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The NASCAR veteran has complied 15 top-five finishes and 28 top-10 finishes since joining the organization three quarters of the way through the 2004 season. He also has 16 poles in 56 starts for BDR.

"I am looking forward to next year," Skinner commented. "[Crew chief] Jeff Hensley and all of the guys on this Toyota Tundra team have given their hearts and souls to making this truck run fast, and I am really pumped about coming back to drive the No. 5 truck for three more years.

"Toyota has an awesome program. I am honoured to be their flagship. It is great to know every week when we get on the track we have a Tundra good enough to win. Toyota builds a great product both on and off the track, and I am looking forward three more years as their driver."