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Skinner To Temporarily Replace Allmendinger

Red Bull Racing Team has confirmed that veteran NASCAR driver Mike Skinner will
temporarily replace AJ Allmendinger in the No. 84 Red Bull Camry in the NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series effective this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Skinner, a
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, currently races full-time in the No. 5
Toyota Tundra.

“We’re at a crossroads where we need to make a change that will elevate the No. 84
team to success,” said VP and General Manager Jay Frye. “AJ’s our guy and he’s a
talented driver, but there’s a lot being asked of him. In order for him to be
successful, we have to get this team pointed in the right direction. We hope we can
do that with the help of a veteran driver.”

Skinner’s history with Red Bull Racing Team dates back to 2006 when he served as a
test driver for the team. Skinner’s history with Allmendinger also dates back to
2006, when he mentored teammate Allmendinger during the rookie’s part-time ride
with Bill Davis Racing NCTS team.

Frye hopes with the help of Skinner, that RBRT will have the program turned around
and the ride returned to Allmendinger in no time.

AJ Allmendinger, No. 84 Red Bull Driver:
“Let’s not kid ourselves; I’m a racer and I want to be racing, but I get the big picture
here and obviously we need to improve our program. Do I want to be out of the car?
No. But, I know Skinner can help both me and my team. All I can say is he better be
prepared for me to eat, drink, and sleep with him. Ok, well maybe not the sleeping
part, but I’m ready to attach myself to him and learn everything I can.”

Mike Skinner, Substitute No. 84 Driver:
“The first time I ever met AJ, I took an immediate liking to him. He’s not just a great
personality; he also has a remarkable amount of talent. He took on a huge challenge
jumping into stock cars last year, and I’m glad I can be the one to help him and his
team figure out where the glitches are in their program. This is a positive thing for
AJ as a learning experience, for the Red Bull Racing Team to get back on track, and
for me to have the opportunity to help another Toyota team that has great
equipment and potential.”

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