Reigning NASCAR Truck Series champion Matt Crafton will be on standby to replace Paul Menard for this weekend’s Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas. Menard is awaiting the imminent arrival of his first child.

“It’s tough, because you just don’t know when or even if it will happen, but kind of like that back-up quarterback, you have to be ready at any time,” said Crafton.

“Paul and I have been good friends going back to 2001. We’ve raced together and I actually spotted for him early in his career. For him to have the confidence in me to get the job done if he has to head back home, that’s awesome.”

Should Crafton receive the call-up to drive Menard’s Richard Childress Racing entry, the start will mark his Cup debut. The 37-year-old is already scheduled to take part in the Nationwide race at Vegas, also in a Richard Childress Racing car.