Key-note driver: Mike Bliss in No. 40 Chevy for first three races of 2010

Key Motorsports says Mike Bliss will drive the team’s No. 40 Chevrolet in the first three NASCAR Nationwide Series races of 2010, with hopes to run the full 35-race schedule.

Key is locked in the first five races of the season, based on owners points from last year. Bliss will at least drive the car at Daytona, California and Las Vegas.

"Depending on sponsorship, I could be in the car all year, and we are working for that to happen," Bliss said in a press release. "Key Motorsports is a solid organization. They have a solid team, they have good people and equipment. I am looking forward to having a good year with them."

Team owner Curtis Key restarted his Nationwide team last year, and with multiple drivers, the No. 40 entry finished 21^st in owners points.

"Hopefully this will work out to be a year-long deal with Mike," Key said. "He is a great driver with the talent and ability to make things happen on the race track, and at the end of the day, our primary goal at Key Motorsports is to provide him the equipment he needs to be in the top 15 every week."