For the next three races Mike Skinner will substitute Michael McDowell in the No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The substitution is similar to earlier in the season when Skinner drove in place of AJ Allmendinger on Red Bull Racing.

Michael Waltrip would like for Skinner to evaluate the areas where the team can heighten their on-track performance.

"Michael Waltrip Racing is fully committed to our sponsors, the success of our race teams and ensuring Michael McDowell, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and I have the necessary tools to succeed as drivers," Waltrip said. "We've asked Mike Skinner to evaluate areas where we can improve our on-track performance.

"I thought he did a really nice job of working with Red Bull and A.J. Allmendinger earlier this year, and our No. 00 Champion Mortgage team could use the same experienced insight."

Waltrip confirms that he has not lost any confidence in McDowell. He states that they just need a veterans insight.

"We feel the same way about Michael McDowell as we did when we signed him," Waltrip said. "But this is the toughest, most competitive form of racing in the world and I know Michael and MWR can benefit from Skinner's input."

Skinner is excited about the opportunity to help out Waltrip. Skinner notes that it’s tough to make the jump to NASCAR’s top echelon.

"I know it's tough for drivers like Michael McDowell when they make the big jump to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from other divisions like the ARCA Series or the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, but Michael has done a really good job for MWR in a sport that's fiercely competitive," Skinner said. "I look forward to us working together."

Despite the organizations decision, McDowell is supportive and holds no hard feelings.

The rookie driver is currently sitting in the 40th spot in the points standings.

"I support doing whatever it takes to improve the performance of our team," McDowell said. "No driver wants to get out of the car, but I understand that every part of our program needs to be evaluated, and that certainly includes me. I plan to support Mike Skinner and our team any way I can, and hopefully learn some things that will help when I get back in the car."