Due to the economic crisis that has impacted many NASCAR teams, Wood Brothers Racing has been forced cut back the teams schedule in 2009. Finishing 40th in the owner points, the No. 21 team will need additional sponsorship if it will attempt to pursue a more extensive program.

Using three drivers in 2008, Wood Brothers Racing will call on Bill Elliott to take the reigns of the No. 21 Ford Fusion for the whole dozen next season.

"I like the group," Elliott said. "I like all the guys they've put together here. It seems like we've finally got some things working. I'll probably do a little bit (next year), but not a lot. I enjoy the driving part. I just don't like the politics. Ford's been good to me throughout the years. I still see a lot of fans that support me. I still have friends around the country I'm able to go see through this deal."

In the 1970’s the team was known to skip over the short track races and only take part in the events held at superspeedways. With David Pearson behind the wheel of the No. 21, Wood Brothers Racing experienced their best days as an organization. In 1973 the Wood Brothers won 11 of the 18 races they entered with Pearson in the driver’s seat.

Team co-owner Eddie Wood stated, "We could run up to 20 but we decided to do 12 and do it right. We're going back to doing it the way we did it years ago."