CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Scott Wimmer will replace Ward Burton in the No. 22 Dodge later this month and keep the ride full-time next season, car owner Bill Davis said Wednesday.

Wimmer, who now drives for Bill Davis Racing in the NASCAR Busch series, will replace Burton starting Oct. 26 in Atlanta and run the final four races of the season in the car.

He will then compete for Rookie of the Year next season.

Burton will drive the No. 0 NetZero car for Haas CNC Racing in 2004. That car was being driven by Jason Leffler, who replaced Jack Sprague.

"I believe Scott has earned the opportunity to get into the car,'' Davis said. "He's been working toward this for a long time and now is the time that he can be proud of where his career is heading.''

Burton, who won the Daytona 500 for Davis last season, said in August that he and the car owner had agreed to explore other options.

Burton has scored five victories for Davis, including wins in the Daytona 500 and Southern 500.

"Ward has been a tremendous part of this team's success,'' Davis said. "We enjoyed our first Winston Cup win together ... we've had a lot of success that several teams, owners and drivers would be envious of.''

Burton was not available for comment.

Wimmer has five Busch Series victories and finished third in the series standings in 2002.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.