Full Throttle

Denver-based Furniture Row Racing on Wednesday named Regan Smith its driver this season, replacing Joe Nemechek.

The Colorado-based team is scheduled to enter 12 Sprint Cup races in 2009 (outlined below), beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500.

Smith, 25, competed in 34 Cup events for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008, and became the first Sprint Cup rookie to finish every race he started.

Joe Nemechek was Furniture Row’s driver last year, but asked for a release from his contract after the team announced its plan to run a reduced schedule this year.

2009 Furniture Row Racing Sprint Cup Schedule

Feb. 15 Daytona, Fla.
March 1 Las Vegas, Nev.
April 18 Phoenix, Ariz.
April 26 Talladega, Ala.
May 31 Dover, Del.
June 21 Sonoma, Calif.
July 4 Daytona, Fla.
Aug. 9 Watkins Glen, N.Y.
Sept. 12 Richmond, Va.
Sept. 27 Dover, Del.
Nov. 1 Talladega, Ala.
Nov. 15 Phoenix, Ariz.

Related articles:

• Nemechek’s contract bought out by Furniture Row
• Regan Smith: And You Call this a New Year?
• Stewart holds off Smith for first Talladega W