((HT: ESPN))
When NAPA pulled out of sponsoring the 55-car after the Did-Bowyer-Spin-On-Purpose situation, the writing on the wall was there for Michael Waltrip Racing...
The benefactor of the conspiracy, Martin Truex, Junior is now a free agent...
Truex, crew chief Chad Johnston and 15 percent of the workforce were told they can go and get other jobs outside Waltrip's shop. Team co-owner Rob Kauffman said the cuts were across the organization and not limited to Truex's team.
Truex's car goes into the shop for research and development. It will be trotted out for Waltrip to use his sponsor's exemptions to try and get a third car into select races- much like it was before he went after a third car in the shop in the first place.
This is what got MWR in hot water in the first place...
((HT: NASCAR))
Paired with this... Brian Vickers questioning... really questioning... coming to the pits...
NASCAR fined MWR $300,000 for the alleged stunt, suspended GM Ty Norris indefinitely and replaced Truex in the Chase field with Ryan Newman. And then they went ahead and added Jeff Gordon, too, since Bowyer wasn't punished...
Truex has been talking to Furniture Row about the soon-to-be vacant #78 ever since all these questions came up...
Here's MWR talking about MWR...
Showing posts with label Michael Waltrip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Waltrip. Show all posts
Monday, October 14, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
DEVELOPING: NAPA Leaving MWR
And that's not a good thing for Michael Waltrip Racing...
After the fallout of the Bowyer, Vickers, Truex cover-up NAPA believes in fair play and wants nothing to do with the team that they re-upped with through the 2015 season...
To recap:
((HT: ESPN))
"NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR," NAPA said in a statement. "We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports."
Michael Waltrip Racing returned fire:
"There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written," the statement said. "MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners, we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship, and that remains our sole focus."
According to Jenna Fryer, this really sucks for MWR:
It will be a tremendous challenge to quickly replace the money, estimated to be at least $15 million a year, because NAPA is a rare sponsor that covers the entire 36-race Sprint Cup schedule.
Should MWR not secure sponsorship to replace NAPA, it could lead to layoffs of close to 100 employees and the possible shuttering of Truex's team. Truex could be out of job as well.
And Fryer surmises that Truex could end up with Furniture Row Racing if Waltrip can't afford a third team...
After the fallout of the Bowyer, Vickers, Truex cover-up NAPA believes in fair play and wants nothing to do with the team that they re-upped with through the 2015 season...
To recap:
((HT: ESPN))
"NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR," NAPA said in a statement. "We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports."
Michael Waltrip Racing returned fire:
"There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written," the statement said. "MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners, we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship, and that remains our sole focus."
According to Jenna Fryer, this really sucks for MWR:
It will be a tremendous challenge to quickly replace the money, estimated to be at least $15 million a year, because NAPA is a rare sponsor that covers the entire 36-race Sprint Cup schedule.
Should MWR not secure sponsorship to replace NAPA, it could lead to layoffs of close to 100 employees and the possible shuttering of Truex's team. Truex could be out of job as well.
And Fryer surmises that Truex could end up with Furniture Row Racing if Waltrip can't afford a third team...
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Bowyer Does The Carwash, Denies Spin Intentional
((HT: ESPN))
First, let's look at the nine minutes that Clint Bowyer spent with Jade McCarthy and Ricky Craven...
It's both uncomfortable and intense...
NASCAR couldn't prove that the spin by the 15 was intentional...
They went by the radio traffic (the somewhat confused radio traffic) between Brian Vickers and his crew chief over "needing" to pit to give Joey Logano a point...
Michael Waltrip stands by his team, his drivers, and the sport...
And "the itch" in question...???
Bowyer admits that he was treating poison oak under his suit...
MWR addresses the penalties in an interview with Bob Dillman in a friendly fire situation this evening on FoxSports1...
First, let's look at the nine minutes that Clint Bowyer spent with Jade McCarthy and Ricky Craven...
It's both uncomfortable and intense...
NASCAR couldn't prove that the spin by the 15 was intentional...
They went by the radio traffic (the somewhat confused radio traffic) between Brian Vickers and his crew chief over "needing" to pit to give Joey Logano a point...
Michael Waltrip stands by his team, his drivers, and the sport...
And "the itch" in question...???
Bowyer admits that he was treating poison oak under his suit...
MWR addresses the penalties in an interview with Bob Dillman in a friendly fire situation this evening on FoxSports1...
Monday, August 19, 2013
Mark Martin Picks Up Tony Stewart's Ride
Injured car owner/driver Tony Stewart finally found someone to finish out his 2013 Sprint Cup season.Monday afternoon, it was announced that veteran driver Mark Martin will bring the #14 Chevy home for the next 13 races. Newcomer Austin Dillon will driver the car for one race--at Talladega.
You'll recall Stewart broke his leg in 2 places in an August 5th short track race in Iowa. He was on the fringe of qualifying for the Sprint Cup Championship, which takes place during the last 12 races of the year. Those points stay with the car. And with the #14 car in 13th place, it's quite possible Martin could still get the car into the Chase.
Martin, who had been scheduled to drive the #55 for Michael Waltrip for 10 races, got a release from owner Michael Waltrip to move over and pick up Stewart. Brian Vickers, who will take over the #55 full-time next season, will finish those races.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
The Day At Loudon: Oldest Ever And A Long-Time Coming
((HT: NASCAR on TNT))
It had been almost four full years, and 75 total starts, that it took for Brian Vickers to get back in victory lane. But running part-time for Michael Waltrip Racing along with Mark Martin and Michael his own self, he held off the folks in the green-white-checker for the win at Loudon...
Here's the end of the race...
And another record setting performance came from 71-year-old Morgan Shepherd... qualifying and starting a NASCAR event... “This will be my first Sprint Cup race since 2006. It will be good to be back for such a historical day, and I love the New Hampshire Speedway." Interesting stat from Holly Cain at NASCAR.com Eight of the 42 drivers Morgan Shepherd will be competing against in Sunday’s Camping World RV Sales 301 were even born when the 71-year-old made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on June 20, 1970 at Hickory, N.C. Five drivers -- Ken Schrader, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Dave Blaney -- had ever made a Cup start at the time Shepherd last visited victory lane (Atlanta, 1993). Here's Shepherd talking about it... ((HT: ESPN))
It had been almost four full years, and 75 total starts, that it took for Brian Vickers to get back in victory lane. But running part-time for Michael Waltrip Racing along with Mark Martin and Michael his own self, he held off the folks in the green-white-checker for the win at Loudon...
Here's the end of the race...
And another record setting performance came from 71-year-old Morgan Shepherd... qualifying and starting a NASCAR event... “This will be my first Sprint Cup race since 2006. It will be good to be back for such a historical day, and I love the New Hampshire Speedway." Interesting stat from Holly Cain at NASCAR.com Eight of the 42 drivers Morgan Shepherd will be competing against in Sunday’s Camping World RV Sales 301 were even born when the 71-year-old made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on June 20, 1970 at Hickory, N.C. Five drivers -- Ken Schrader, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Dave Blaney -- had ever made a Cup start at the time Shepherd last visited victory lane (Atlanta, 1993). Here's Shepherd talking about it... ((HT: ESPN))
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
NASCAR Drops The Hammer On Penske And MWR After Texas Race
((HT: NASCAR their own selves))
Penalties have been handed down to three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams following last Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.
The No. 56 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Chad Johnston has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 5. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Martin Truex Jr.) and six championship owner (Michael Waltrip) points.
Here's Truex after finishing second in the race at Texas...
((HT: FoxSports/NASCAR))
NASCAR continues...
The No. 2 and No. 22 cars have also been penalized. Both cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20-12 (all suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted, in a completed form/assembly, to the office of the NASCAR Competition Administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.)
As a result of this violation and as it pertains to the No. 2 car the following penalties have been assessed:
Crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars) have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
The loss of 25 championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and 25 championship owner (Roger Penske) points.
Here was Keselowski after the race talking about the confiscation... and he was less than pleased...
((HT: ESPN/NASCAR))
And NASCAR isn't done...
As it pertains to the No. 22 car the following penalties have been assessed:
Crew chief Todd Gordon has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
The loss of 25 championship driver (Joey Logano) and 25 championship owner (Walt Czarnecki) points.
And here's Logano after finishing 5th when he started at the back of the pack...
((HT: NASCAR on FOX/NASCAR))
Penalties have been handed down to three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams following last Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.
The No. 56 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Chad Johnston has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 5. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Martin Truex Jr.) and six championship owner (Michael Waltrip) points.
Here's Truex after finishing second in the race at Texas...
((HT: FoxSports/NASCAR))
NASCAR continues...
The No. 2 and No. 22 cars have also been penalized. Both cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20-12 (all suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted, in a completed form/assembly, to the office of the NASCAR Competition Administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.)
As a result of this violation and as it pertains to the No. 2 car the following penalties have been assessed:
Crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars) have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
The loss of 25 championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and 25 championship owner (Roger Penske) points.
Here was Keselowski after the race talking about the confiscation... and he was less than pleased...
((HT: ESPN/NASCAR))
And NASCAR isn't done...
As it pertains to the No. 22 car the following penalties have been assessed:
Crew chief Todd Gordon has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
The loss of 25 championship driver (Joey Logano) and 25 championship owner (Walt Czarnecki) points.
And here's Logano after finishing 5th when he started at the back of the pack...
((HT: NASCAR on FOX/NASCAR))
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