TBR tabs Richardson to drive No. 36 at Talladega

CONCORD, N.C. -- Robert Richardson Jr. will attempt to qualify for his first Sprint Cup Series race this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway behind the wheel of Tommy Baldwin Racing's No. 36 Toyota.

"Tommy's cars always run well at the Superspeedways, and I am confident we will qualify into the race on time. My goal is to run clean, avoid wrecks and come home with a solid finish," Richardson said.

"This race is really important in getting approved so I will be eligible to run the Daytona 500. I just want to thank Tommy Baldwin Racing and Mahindra Tractors for giving me this opportunity. Talladega is one of my favorite tracks, and I can't think of a better place to attempt my first Sprint Cup Series start."

Richardson, 26, has four starts at the famed Alabama track, three in the Nationwide Series and one in the Truck Series. He has posted a top-20 finish in all four outings.