It’s official, Michael Waltrip Racing has signed Clint Bowyer to drive the team’s No. 15 Sprint Cup Toyota Camry in the Cup Series , with sponsorship from 5-Hour Energy, for the next three seasons, starting in 2012. This announcement ends months of speculation about where Bowyer would end up this off-season.
Bowyer said:
This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing. I am a big fan of 5-hour Energy so I was really happy when they approached me about putting a deal together. We were diligent in working through our options and finally found the right fit. I have been so impressed with what’s going on at MWR. Then when the 5-hour Energy executives met with Michael and his people, we knew this was going to be our home. I’ve been with one organization for my entire Sprint Cup career and leaving there was the hardest part of the decision. But now I’m ready to start the next chapter in my racing career.
MWR co-owner Michael Waltrip said:
This is a watershed moment for our young organization. Clint is a proven winner and consistent Chase participant. He had a lot of options and it makes me proud that Clint and 5-hour Energy chose to race with us. This announcement continues to show our partner Toyota, our sponsors, our employees and the entire NASCAR community that MWR is serious about success and dedicated to winning.
Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy, said:
The chance to add a top notch driver and an avid 5-Hour Energy consumer like Clint Bowyer was one we felt like we could not pass up. As we both looked at options it became clear that MWR provided us the best opportunity to win races and continue to grow the 5-hour Energy brand. Michael, Rob and the whole team understand the importance of helping our company reach our marketing objectives. We are excited to be working with them, and we can’t wait to see Clint and the 5-hour Energy Toyota in victory lane.
Bowyer has driven for Richard Childress Racing for his entire Cup career. He has four career victories. RCR seemed to want to re-sign him if sponsorship could be found. But, as it became increasingly likely that Bowyer would leave, four team emerged: Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing .
At one point, RPM extended and offer, but then later retracted it.
[...] that Michael Waltrip Racing would end its technical alliance with JTG, to make room for the addition of Clint Bowyer. It was later reported, however, that JTG and MWR are likely to maintain their alliance. [...]
[...] has also signed Clint Bowyer to drive the No. 15 MWR Camry with sponsorship from 5-Hour Energy. Both Bowyer and Martin will [...]
[...] has also signed Clint Bowyer to drive the No. 15 MWR Camry with sponsorship from 5-Hour Energy. Both Bowyer and Martin will [...]
[...] BB&T Renews Sponsorship With RCR; Will Appear On No. 31 By Michael J Smith ⋅ January 25, 2012 ⋅ Email This Post ⋅ Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment Filed Under Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Michael Waltrip Racing, NASCAR, Richard Childress, Richard Childress Racing, Sprint Cup Richard Childress Racing has re-signed BB&T Corporation as sponsor for the team’s No. 31 Sprint Cup Chevy driven by Jeff Burton. Last year, BB&T sponsored the No. 33 of Clint Bowyer, who left the team due to a lack of funding to join Michael Waltrip Racing. [...]
[...] indicated that Bowyer had a sponsor lined up, but RCR wasn’t interested. As a result, Bowyer left to join Michael Waltrip Racing and had arguably the best season of his [...]