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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Jimmy Spencer will replace rookie Brent Sherman for this week's race at Martinsville Speedway, BAM Racing said Tuesday.

BAM general manager Eddie Jones said the team wanted a veteran behind the wheel at Martinsville, one of the trickiest tracks in NASCAR, and Sherman has no experience at the Virginia facility.

"Brent has never been to Martinsville before and our hope is that Jimmy will be able to provide him with the guidance it takes to compete at short tracks," Jones said.

Spencer has one top-five and four top-10s in 28 races at Martinsville. His best finish was third in 1993.

Spencer will also join BAM as an adviser for the team and mentor for Sherman, and he could end up running more races this season.

"I believe the team is being fair in its decision for this weekend," Sherman said. "I always welcome opportunities that are presented to me, and to work with a veteran like Jimmy Spencer is a great opportunity."

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press