Ruttman returns to BHR as Schrader's backup driver

MT. JULIET — Needing a driver to fill in when Ken Schrader is racing in the Nextel Cup, Bobby Hamilton Racing reached into its past for a backup for the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge.
Joe Ruttman, who served as BHR's lead driver in 2000 and '01, has been named as Schrader's substitute racer.
He is tied for seventh on the all-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins list with 13, five of which came with BHR, including the organization's first win at Phoenix in 2000. He has 17 poles, 68 top-five finishes and 111 top 10s in 168 starts.
"I can't wait to climb into the Fastenal Dodge," Ruttman said. "Bobby Hamilton and I had a great friendship. I am not here to fill Bobby Sr.'s seat. I don't think anyone can do that justice as he did. But to have this opportunity to come back home to work with his organization and Dodge again is a real dream come true. All of the core people who were here the first time I raced with them are still there. I still believe in the organization, the structure and the future of BHR. They have proven themselves as champions and one of the most competitive teams in the series in the past and will continue to do so."
Ruttman is scheduled to drive the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge in seven of the final 22 races of the season, starting next Month in Kansas. He is also tentatively set to drive at Texas, Milwaukee, Memphis, Kentucky, Nashville and Gateway.