There’s a changing of the guard behind the wheel at Bucky Austin Racing.

Shane Westerfield, a past NHRA world champion and 14-time national event winner, replaces Bobby Cottrell as the team’s driver starting this weekend at the 53rd annual Nightfire Nationals in Boise, Idaho. He will run the remainder of the NHRA Heritage Series events. Westerfield will also drive the car in the NHRA’s Modern Warriors Nitro Legends series.

“I’m super excited for this opportunity to drive for Bucky Austin and Mike O’Brien,” Westerfield said. “As a kid, I watched Bucky and his nephew Pat race, and I’ve always looked up to the entire Austin Family.  As a driver, it’s always exciting to be a part of a professional team, and now, between this and my Top Alcohol Funny Car ride with Rick Jackson Motorsports, I’m racing with two of the most professional teams in the country. It’s a great opportunity for my family, and I’m looking very forward to it!”

Before the driver switch, the Bardahl-sponsored team held a 114-point lead in the NHRA Heritage Series and the top spot in the NHRA’s Modern Warriors Nitro Legends series.