With four drivers within 69 points of Busch, it’s a certainty someone else will be the leader when Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 concludes.

Georgia native Shane Sieg, 25, will take the wheel of the Tundra — a move Ballew hopes will allow him to retain the owner standings lead. Busch is expected to return May 16 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Sieg has competed in 27 races since 2003 with a best finish of eighth at The Milwaukee Mile. He drove Ballew’s No. 15 truck three times last season, finishing 10th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“With Kyle’s schedule at Joe Gibbs Racing this weekend, there was no way he could make the race in Kansas,” Ballew said. “We looked at all the scenarios but it just wasn’t feasible. Shane has driven for us before and is familiar with the equipment.

“We hope to leave Kansas still leading the owners’ points and know Kyle can make up some ground in the drivers’ points when we race at Lowe’s.

Sieg ran as Busch’s teammate in 2007, but as Billy Ballew Motorsports’ No. 1, knows the pressure is on.

“It’s a great opportunity to get back behind the wheel,” Sieg said. “I know I have big shoes to fill but I just want to bring a good finish home to keep Billy as the team owner point leader.”