Clint Bowyer issues statement amidst uncertainty at MWR
As the future of Michael Waltrip Racing is unknown, Clint Bowyer made a statement after Friday’s practice at Pocono.
Bowyer has been mentioned as possibly switching teams before the 2016 season as MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman has purchased part of Chip Ganassi Racing. Without Kauffman’s funding – he owned 50 percent of MWR – the future of MWR looks tenuous. The team does not have a manufacturer deal signed for 2016. It also doesn’t have a driver for the No. 55 car or a sponsor as the contract of Aaron’s is up at the end of the year.
Bowyer, who recently signed an extension with MWR along with sponsor 5-Hour Energy, could go to Ganassi and be a teammate to Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray.
“This isn’t what any of you guys want,” Bowyer told the media at Pocono. “You need to bear with us. There’s obviously some change on the horizon. I got the same release you guys did. We’ve got a new sponsor on the car this weekend. It’s a big deal for us. We’ve been working on this a long time. Got a lot of momentum going into this — we’re 20 points out of the Chase and we’ve got to finish this year strong. Like I said, there’s a lot of work to be done in the future and we’re all working on it and when I have something to tell you guys you all know me and I’ll tell you.”
Bowyer’s car is sponsored by Maxwell House for Sunday’s race.
After finishing second in the 2012 points standings, Bowyer hasn’t won a race in the past two-plus seasons. He’s currently on the periphery of the Chase but without a win, could find himself on the outside looking in, especially if other drivers who haven’t won a race do so.
MWR currently fields Toyotas. Ed Laukes, a vice president of marketing for the car company, issued a brief statement about the situation.
“We’ve spoken with Rob Kauffman and understand he has agreed to buy an interest in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Rob has not disclosed the plans for Michael Waltrip Racing past the 2015 racing season. Toyota and TRD remain focused on winning races and championships with our team partners this year.”
– – – – – – –
Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
