Peachtree City's Reed Sorenson lands part-time ride

Reed Sorenson struggled while driving for RPM (AP Photo/David Graham)

Peachtree City, Georgia native Reed Sorenson will take a step back in 2010 with hopes to regroup and re-emerge as a potential threat on the Sprint Cup tour. Sorenson became a young prospect for Chip Ganassi Racing five years ago in the Nationwide Series, formerly referred to as the Busch Series. After three disappointing seasons with the Ganassi outfit after advancing to the Cup level, he left for what was thought to be greener pastures at Gillett Evernham Motorsports, now Richard Petty Motorsports.

The company encountered a multitude of changes, including two mergers and a pending manufacturer change. After a dreadful season, perhaps the worst of his career, Sorenson was without a Sprint Cup ride following the 2009 campaign. To make matters worse, there were limited options available when it came to solid rides. He was one of the candidates to take over the Phoenix Racing No. 09 ride before the team hired Aric Almirola as the driver.

On Thursday, Braun Racing announced that they will compete in a limited schedule in the Sprint Cup Series with Reed Sorenson as the driver and Dollar General as the sponsor. Braun Racing will continue its relationship with Toyota.

Moreover, it was announced last week that Sorenson will race for Braun Racing in the Nationwide Series in at least 23 races.

While this may seem like a step back for Sorenson after four years in the Sprint Cup Series, it could work out to his advantage. He is only 23 years old, so there is still a decent-sized window of opportunity for him to bounce back and return to the Sprint Cup Series with a solid team.

Instead of settling for a lower-tier Cup ride where he would have little to no chance of being competitive, Sorenson will have the opportunity to compete at a higher level with Braun Racing. The fact that it is a part-time gig may seem like a drawback, and is to a certain degree, but Sorenson has added motivation to make the most of every opportunity he has this upcoming season.

Sorenson understands that he must take a step back in order protract his career.

“It’s just tough right now. I feel I have time to move way back up with a great Cup team. I took a step backward to take a step forward later on,” he said.

Braun Racing is one of the top Nationwide Series teams not directly supported by a Sprint Cup operation, such as Joe Gibbs Racing or Richard Childress Racing. They rewarded Toyota with their first Nationwide Series pole in 2007 at Daytona, and their first win at O’Reilly Raceway Park of that same season.