Ekstrom to go short-track racing for Red Bull at Richmond

Mattias Ekstrom talks to the media at Sonoma in
June. (Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Red Bull driver Mattias Ekstrom will race the No. 83 Red Bull Toyota in Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

In June, Ekstrom gave an impressive performance at Infineon Raceway in his first NASCAR race, leading seven laps and finishing 21st. Since then, Ekstrom has tested with Red Bull Racing Team at Gresham Motorsports Park (Ga.) and North Wilkesboro Speedway (N.C.).

"Mattias did a great job in Sonoma and continues to impress at the oval track testing sessions,” said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing Team Vice President and General Manager. "He has earned this opportunity, showing continued improvement every time he is behind the wheel."

Ekstrom, a Red Bull-supported athlete for the past nine years, claimed his first victory of 2010 in the second round of the DTM Championship on May 23 in Valencia, Spain. He currently sits fifth in the DTM standings and has 14 career victories.

"To do a race on an oval is something different — it's a lot of laps and a lot of car — it's a lot of laps and a lot of cars," Ekstrom said. "Racing in Richmond will be one of the biggest tasks of my life so far, but I feel I am ready for the challenge."

Release courtesy of Red Bull Racing