Brian Scott, driver of the No. 16 Xpress Motorsports entry at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (VPS Motorimages)

He has a mentor, a ride and high hopes.

What newcomer Brian Scott, driver of the No. 16 Xpress Motorsports Ford, needs is seat time.  He'll get it during the series' final weeks. The 19-year-old from Boise, Idaho is working toward 2008, when he plans to compete for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors.

Scott's father, JB, purchased the majority interest in Xpress last month, with former owner Dave Fuge remaining as a minority owner, crew chief and competition director.

Through two races including a debut at New Hampshire International Speedway and a trip out West to Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Scott's top finish is 21st at NHIS. Derrike Cope drove the No. 16 Ford on Saturday at Talladega; Scott returns Oct. 20 at Martinsville.

"He's a very intelligent kid," Cope said. "He's like a sponge and he seems to retain it. That's the key. He certainly has the speed. He's a pleasure to work with. He'll come along quickly in the equipment he's going to be in."

"It's gone way better than I ever thought," Scott said. "Everybody is there to help you. I was really fortunate to get hooked up with Dave Fuge and Derrike Cope. Jack Sprague and Ron Hornaday Jr. have also been there to help me."

SOURCE: NASCAR Communications