The former Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World Truck Series) champion drove the No. 5 Toyota Tundra for Bill Davis Racing last season.

R3 team owner Rob Fuller says the team plans to run the first five races of the season and continue the schedule on a race-to-race basis depending on its success.

"Skinner is a great guy to jump in the seat at Daytona given his past experience at the track," Fuller said. "Watching how well Skinner ran in the No. 84 Red Bull car for AJ Allmendinger last season, I know he'll do an equally good job for us.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the reunion between Mike and Slugger. They've had a great relationship in the past and I believe they'll be able to be competitive when we get to Daytona."

The 51-year-old has competed in 256 Cup races over 19 years, nabbing 10 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes in that span.

"We've got several Daytona 500s under our belts," Skinner said. "I do have some drafting experience so that's a big help. I know Slugger will make it drive really good so we have a shot at it.

"I was in the 500 three years ago with Bill Davis Racing, but the engine blew up so anything can happen. But with Slugger calling the shots and a Hendrick motor under the hood, I think we have a good shot. It will be a lot of fun."

Skinner won poles in his first two attempts in a Cup car at Daytona and has three top-five finishes on the 2.5-mile track. - foxsports.com

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