2013 Driver Schedule for the #55: Mark Martin(24+2), Michael Waltrip(3) and Brian Vickers(9)
Feb. 16: Bud Shootout - Martin (1)
Feb. 24: Daytona 500 - Martin (2)
Mar. 3: Phoenix - Martin (3)
Mar. 10: Las Vegas - Martin (4)
Mar. 17: Bristol - Vickers (1), R.K. Motors
Mar. 24: Auto Club - Martin (5)
Apr. 7: Martinsville - Vickers (2)
Apr. 13: Texas - Martin (6)
Apr. 21: Kansas - Martin (7)
Apr. 27: Richmond - Martin (8)
May 5: Talladega - Waltrip (1), Univ of Alabama Tribute
May 11: Darlington - Martin (9)
May 18: All Star Race - Martin (10)
May 26: Charlotte - Martin (11)
June 2: Dover - Martin (12)
June 9: Pocono - Martin (13)
June 16: Michigan - Martin (14)
June 23: Sonoma - Vickers (3)
June 29: Kentucky - Vickers (4), Univ of Louisville Tribute
July 6: Daytona - Waltrip (2)
July 14: New Hampshire - Vickers (5)
July 28: Indy - Martin (15)
Aug. 4: Pocono - Martin (16)
Aug 11: Watkins Glen - Vickers (6)
Aug 18: Michigan - Martin (17)
Aug 24: Bristol - Vickers (7)
Sept. 1: Atlanta - Martin (18)
Sept. 7: Richmond - Martin (19)
Sept. 15: Chicago - Martin (20)
Sept. 22: New Hampshire - Vickers(8)
Sept. 29: Dover - Martin(21)
Oct. 6: Kansas - Martin (22)
Oct. 12: Charlotte - Martin (23)
Oct. 20: Talladega - Waltrip (3)
Oct. 27: Martinsville - Vickers (9)
Nov. 3: Texas - Martin (24)
Nov. 10: Phoenix - Martin (25)
Nov. 17: Homestead - Martin (26)

Contract Status: Drivers: 2013; Primary Sponsor: 2013; Manuafactuer: 2014

MWR's Fan Fest Moved to October: Michael Waltrip Racing will host its annual Fan Fest in the fall at the height of NASCAR's "Chase for the Sprint Cup." The event at MWR's headquarters in Cornelius, N.C., has traditionally been held during Charlotte Motor Speedway's May events, but this season the race shop is undergoing some capital improvements to further enhance the visitor and employee experience.
"We are in the process of making MWR even better for everyone, including fans, sponsors and employees," said Waltrip. "We can't wait to showcase our upgrades soon and appreciate all the fans who have given our facility a 100% approval rating since we opened in 2007."
This month MWR began construction of a new 7,500-square-foot training facility. The multi-level gym will further the skills of pit crew members. The facility includes an inlaid car silhouette so crews can practice agility drills around a car, free weights, weight machines, Cross Fit elements, cardio equipment as well as locker rooms and offices. Construction should conclude in June. MWR is at exit 28 on I-77 in Cornelius, N.C. about 15 miles north of Charlotte, N.C. Fans can still visit MWR's friendly interactive facility and take public tours throughout the construction projects.(MWR)(5-13-2013)

Vickers pulling road course double duty: As the only driver pulling double duty across half the country this weekend, #55-Brian Vickers is well aware of the special challenges ahead. Still, he's more aware of some challenges than others. There's the logistics of getting from one place to the other. There's the transition from his full-time role in the NASCAR Nationwide Series to his part-time detail on the Sprint Cup circuit. The biggest hurdle, however, might be the actual task at hand, adapting from NASCAR's longest road course -- a circuit he's never competed on -- to its shortest. Vickers goes into the great unknown in Saturday's Johnsonville Sausage 200 for the Nationwide Series at 4.048-mile Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., before he returns to a more familiar track -- 1.99-mile Sonoma Raceway, site of Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350 for the Sprint Cup tour. The unique Wisconsin-to-California doubleheader will mark the first time he's competed in NASCAR national series events in different states in the same weekend. Part of Vickers' divide-and-conquer strategy includes making just one commute. He'll start the weekend with his #20 Joe Gibbs Racing team, focusing on regaining ground in the Nationwide title hunt. In the meantime, Jason Bowles will sub for him in the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota in Sprint Cup practice and qualifying, meaning Vickers will have to start Sunday's race from the back of the field.(NASCAR.com)(6-19-2013)

MWR & Aaron's to honor NCAA Basketball Champ Louisville: When NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers climbs in the #55 Toyota at Kentucky Speedway on June 29 he and his Aaron's Dream Machine will sport University of Louisville colors and a paint scheme honoring the school's 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship team. The Cardinal Bird mascot on the hood and Vickers' red, black and white fire suit will pay tribute to the school whose campus is about 60 miles from the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky.
"We're thrilled Aaron's and Brian Vickers have chosen to run the Louisville colors during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Race at Kentucky Speedway," said Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. "I know how many Louisville basketball fans are NASCAR fans, and like them I'm looking forward to seeing the car on the track. I think one of those die cast cars might eventually make it to my office. I've seen the paint scheme and it's really sharp."
At last year's Kentucky race, MWR founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip drove an Aaron's/ University of Kentucky themed paint scheme. The Owensboro, Ky. native and 2010 Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame inductee admits seeing the Louisville colors on one of his cars makes him proud.
U of L supporters and alumni can support Vickers in his second Sprint Cup start at the speedway by taking advantage of a special Cardinal Takeover ticket package that includes admission to a hospitality tent with food and complimentary beverages, a Fan Zone pass that provides race-day admission to the infield for pit road access and a trackside view of a prerace concert with Billy Currington. The first 200 fans to attend the Cardinal Takeover also will receive a collectible red miniature Louisville Slugger bat with the race logo emblazoned in gold. Cardinal Takeover packages can be purchased at http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/CardinalTakeover, by calling (859) 578-2300 or visiting the Kentucky Speedway ticket office at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.(MWR), see image of the car/scheme on the #55 Team Schemes page.(6-13-2013)

Congrats: #55 Aaron's Dream Machine mechanic Chris Hall and his wife Denelle welcomed James Mason Dean (7 lbs 8 oz) into the world Thursday. Mother and baby are doing well.(MWR)(5-24-2013)

MWR cars to carry Feed the Children decals to support Tornado Victims: In 2010 brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip combined their philanthropic efforts and created the Waltrip Brothers Charity Championship. The Waltrips selected Feed The Children as one of the golf tournament's benefactors in 2012. The Oklahoma City-based organization, whose mission is to provide hope and resources for those without life's essentials, saw deadly tornados strike at its doorstep this week. During this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Michael Waltrip Racing will carry Feed The Children decals on the roofs of all three of its NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyotas. The decals will bring greater awareness to an organization forced to turn its focus to its own Oklahoma community. The cars of drivers #56-Martin Truex Jr., #15-Clint Bowyer and #55-Mark Martin will carry the decals in Sunday's 600-mile race. Founded in 1979, Feed The Children is on the front lines helping tornado victims and first responders in their hometown. Feed The Children is currently accepting product and monetary donations and providing help for Oklahoma tornado victims and first responders with ready-to-eat meals, disaster relief supplies, water and food. Feed The Children is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity and uses a comprehensive and integrated program to combat hunger and poverty to make sure no child or family goes to bed hungry. To Donate text "DISASTER" to 80888 or visit feedthechildren.org/tornado.(MWR)(5-24-2013)

Waltrip comments on 2014 plans for #55 and Vickers: #55-Michahel Waltrip, team owners and part-time driver, discussed many things with the media on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, one thing was the future of the #55 team:
Q) When will you announce the driver of the No. 55 Camry for next season?
Waltrip: "Well, we're -- obviously I said we've raced with Aaron's for 14 years and we hope that we can sign something that will put that deal together for the near foreseeable future to come -- three years or so. And, we're working hard with Aaron's. We've targeted Brian Vickers as the guy that we want to drive our car. We think that Brian is a future champion of the Cup Series so we want Brian to drive it and we want Aaron's to sponsor it. That's the news and that's where it's at. I think both Aaron's and Brian are very into making that happen. It would just be a matter of getting the details worked out in order to be able to announce it soon. So, when it happens it won't be a surprise because that's what we're after. I think Aaron's growth in the business world, the amount of stores that they had when we started together and the amount they have now -- I used to kid people all of the time, I said I don't believe they think I had anything to do with that, but just in case I've been there the whole time and let's just keep him around. That was sort of the way that it started with Aaron's and now with the 'Aaron's Dream Weekend' and everything that they do in NASCAR, they've committed to this sport and hopefully that commitment will continue with Michael Waltrip Racing into the future."(Toyota Racing transcript in part)(5-5-2013)

Waltrip returns to the #55 at 'Dega: #55 Aaron's Dream Machine driver Michael Waltrip returns to the drivers seat at Talladega Superspeedway Sunday in the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup race. The two-time Daytona 500 champion's #55 will carry a special paint scheme honoring the 2012 University of Alabama's BCS National Championship football team. Waltrip will sport an Alabama firesuit and a specially painted helmet similar to the school's football helmet. Waltrip, winner of the Talladega fall race in 2003, nearly won the October race before a last lap wreck. Waltrip celebrated his 50th birthday on Tuesday. Aaron's unveiled the #55 paint scheme in front of 78,000 fans at University of Alabama's spring football game on April 20. Coach Nick Saban signed the hood. This is the fourth consecutive Talladega spring race Aaron's Inc. and MWR have honored a national championship football team from the state of Alabama. Aaron's also honored Auburn University in 2010 as well as the University of Alabama in 2009 and 2011.(MWR), see an image of the scheme on the #55 Team Schemes page.(5-1-2013)

Waltrip returns to Talladega, will run Alabama tribute scheme: For the fourth consecutive year, Aaron's, Inc. and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) will honor a college football national champion from the state of Alabama during the May NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega. Two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will pilot the #55 Aaron's Dream Machine that carries a special crimson-and-white paint scheme in honor of back-to-back BCS champion University of Alabama during the May 5th race. Aaron's also honored Auburn University at Talladega with a special paint scheme for its 2010 championship season as well as Alabama's 2009 and 2011 championship seasons.
"Aaron's is not only celebrating 14 years as a sponsor in NASCAR, but has also enjoyed longtime sponsorships of both MWR and the University of Alabama athletic program," said Andrea Freeman, Aaron's Vice President of Marketing. "The events at Talladega are an exciting way to merge these partnerships and engage both racing and college football fans, many of whom are loyal Aaron's customers."
Waltrip, who will drive the #55 three times in 2013 sharing the duties with Mark Martin and Brian Vickers, said no matter which college football team you support, everyone agrees Talladega will be a 200 mph spectacle. "Aaron's is giving me the privilege of carrying this championship paint scheme to Talladega Superspeedway  one of my favorite places on earth," said Waltrip who nearly won the October race at the high-banked restrictor plate track. "I know all the Alabama fans will cheer me in driver introductions for sure. I'm not as confident I'll get as much support from the Auburn fans as we did the year I drove the Auburn car. But we're going to have a good time hearing all of them scream 'Roll Tide" and 'War Eagle' all weekend."
"Some of NASCAR's most exciting races happen at Talladega Superspeedway. It's a fan favorite because you never know what to expect  the race in October is a perfect example. It looked like I might drive the #55 to victory lane with just one more turn to go and all of a sudden there were cars flying around and I ended up with a wrecked race car and a 25th-place finish."
The Michael Waltrip Racing team is going all out with the Alabama theme with plans for the crew to sport #55 Alabama jerseys on qualifying day. Waltrip's racing helmet will be a replica of the University's football helmets. The #55's paint scheme will feature a logo proclaiming the University of Alabama's back-to-back wins, as well as a memorial decal to legendary Athletic Director Mal Moore, who passed away in March. The car will make its first public appearance on Saturday during the University of Alabama A-Day spring scrimmage.(Aaron's), see images of the scheme on the #55 Team Schemes page.(4-21-2013)

MWR teams to honor Boston Marathon victims: The events of this week's attack on the Boston Marathon hit especially close to Michael Waltrip Racing founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip. As the only NASCAR Sprint Cup driver or car owner to have run the Boston Marathon, Waltrip will honor the victims of the marathon tragedy by running special door numbers on his three NASCAR Sprint Cup entries this weekend at Kansas Speedway.
The door numbers on the #15, 55 and 56 MWR Toyota Camrys will replicate the 2013 Boston Marathon runner "bib" numbers, which are pinned on each of the nearly 30,000 runners. Waltrip posted a time of 4 hours, 33 minutes in the 2000 event.
"The news coming out of Boston this week was very personal to me," said Waltrip. "When I ran the Boston Marathon in 2000, I remember thinking about what a privilege it was to be able to participate and all the hard work it took to be there. When you can see those international flags flying in Copley Square, you know you are about to complete your journey. I know the joy those runners were feeling at that moment when their worlds changed. It was a great moment of pride when they pinned the Boston Marathon bib on me, so I thought it would be great to pin bib numbers on our race cars this week in Kansas. I want to thank our sponsors, NAPA AUTO PARTS, 5-Hour ENERGY and Aaron's, as well as NASCAR, for giving us permission to show our support. We just want the victims of the attack, the brave men and women who helped after the explosions and the city of Boston to know that we are thinking of them and we will support them anyway we can."(MWR)(4-18-2013)

Vickers' understands Hamlin's situation: In picking Brian Vickers to substitute for Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing got a driver who can empathize with what Hamlin is feeling while he waits to return to his car. Vickers will start a stint of indeterminate length in the # 11 Toyota next weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, as Hamlin continues to recover from a compression fracture. Driving the # 11 Camry is an important opportunity for Vickers, who is running a nine-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule for Michael Waltrip Racing, including Sunday's STP Gas Booster 500 at Martinsville Speedway. But Vickers has mixed feelings about the circumstances that will put him behind the wheel of Hamlin's car. Much of Vickers' ambivalence stems from a medical condition that forced him out of his ride at Red Bull Racing in 2011. Suffering from blood clots in his legs and lungs, Vickers missed the last six months of the season while he recuperated. "Next week I'm going to be in the 11 car, which I'm obviously excited about, but sad how the opportunity came about," Vickers said Friday morning at Martinsville. "I know what it's like to be pulled out of your car for health reasons -- I've been in that boat before and wish Denny a speedy recovery.(NASCAR Wire Service)(4-6-2013)

Jet Edge to sponsor Vickers at Martinsville: Water jet systems manufacturer Jet Edge, Inc. proudly announced that Brian Vickers will drive the #55 Jet Edge Toyota Camry April 7 at the Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Last September, Vickers drove the #55 Jet Edge-Freightliner Toyota Camry to a ninth place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and led the race for five laps despite starting from the rear due to an engine change. MWR uses a Jet Edge precision water jet cutting system to cut more than 1,000 parts for each of its racecars. This spring, MWR is installing a second Jet Edge water jet system in its Cornelius, N.C. fabrication shop. MWR.s second water jet system will feature Jet Edge.s latest Permalign EDGE taper control and bevel cutting technology.(Jet Edge PR), see images of the car on the #55 Team Schemes page.(3-31-2013)

Sadler expected to fill in for Hamlin? Martin? UPDATES - Martin, then Vickers: Elliott Sadler has been chosen as the primary sub for Denny Hamlin. All that's preventing an official announcement, as of Wednesday morning is a few details to work out with sponsor Fed Ex. Sadler, who was long pegged as the likely choice is driving full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Nationwide Series and was scheduled to drive a fourth Cup car in a limited schedule later this season. There are no conflicts on the Nationwide schedule that would affect Sadler until early June.(Frontstretch)(3-27-2013)
UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing said Thursday morning that they were not prepared to announce a replacement driver for Denny Hamlin yet. The Associated Press' Jenny Fryer tweeted, "the word on the street is [Mark Martin] is in play for #11 in a straight swap with [Michael Waltrip Racing] for [Brian Vickers], except Talladega."(3-28-2013)
UPDATE 2: Joe Gibbs Racing is looking at several driver scenarios, including fellow Toyota driver Mark Martin, to replace Denny Hamlin while he recovers from a back injury. Multiple sources told ESPN.com that one scenario that JGR has considered is Martin driving all five races in the # 11 car while Hamlin is out. Brian Vickers would pick up Martin's schedule in the Michael Waltrip Racing # 55 that includes Texas, Kansas and Richmond. Michael Waltrip is in the #55 at Talladega. Another scenario, according to sources, is that Vickers would pick up Hamlin's schedule for four races after next week at Martinsville, where he is scheduled to drive the # 55 for Martin. Martin or Elliott Sadler would drive at Martinsville. Sources said another scenario would have Sadler drive for Hamlin the entire way, although that is the most unlikely option. Both Vickers and Sadler drive a full-time Nationwide Series schedule for JGR. Gibbs said for the sake of continuity, he would prefer to go with one driver versus multiple drivers. MWR, according to sources, would like to keep Vickers in the 55 for as much as possible because he is the likely replacement for Martin next season.(ESPN)(3-28-2013)
UPDATE 3: Joe Gibbs Racing announces that Mark Martin will drive the #11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series while Denny Hamlin recovers from an L1 Compression Fracture suffered during an accident on March 24 at Auto Club Speedway. "We've been real fortunate to have never been in this situation with the need to find someone to fill in for an injured driver," said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing. "A lot goes into a decision like this but we are really pleased to have someone of the character and caliber of Mark Martin to fill in while Denny is out. Obviously we're not exactly sure how long that is going to take, but Mark's career speaks for itself and our team knows it will have the opportunity to compete for a win every week." Martin will make his first start for JGR in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, April 7. Martin has made one previous appearance for JGR when he started in the NASCAR Nationwide Series last March at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and finished second. "I'm happy to have this opportunity to help out JGR, FedEx and Denny," said Martin. "Hopefully I can keep those guys up front and compete for wins while Denny heals up."(Joe Gibbs Racing)(3-28-2013)
UPDATE 4: Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Mark Martin will fill in for injured Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin in the #11 Toyota Camry next weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Martin will return to the #55 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota at Texas Motor Speedway on April 13 and resume his previously scheduled run of events with MWR for the remainder of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint cup season. As previously announced, Brian Vickers will race MWR's #55 Jet Edge Toyota Camry for MWR at Martinsville.(MWR)(3-29-2013)
UPDATE 5: Joe Gibbs Racing announces that Brian Vickers will take over behind the wheel of the #11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series for the injured Denny Hamlin starting on April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway. It was previously released that Mark Martin would handle the duties behind the wheel for the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing team while Denny Hamlin recovered from injury. Martin will drive the car in Martinsville, but Vickers will now take over the duties beginning in Texas. "Obviously having to find someone to fill in for Denny is not an ideal situation to have to be in and when you start a process like this you obviously begin to look at the drivers that are not only available but also able to drive for your race team and manufacturer. We were a bit premature in determining Mark's status past Martinsville however," said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing. "We're real happy to have the opportunity to get Brian in our Cup cars and with him driving Nationwide for us we think we have some continuity there that is beneficial.(JGR)(3-29-2013)
UPDATE 6: Rumors of Mark Martin's substitute role have been greatly exaggerated. It will now last only one race, after a series of conflicting announcements. Joe Gibbs Racing originally reported on Thursday that Martin would be competing for Denny Hamlin while Hamlin recuperates from a lower-back compression fracture, suffered during a last-lap crash at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday. The sub-headline that read, "Veteran NASCAR Driver Mark Martin to Drive No. 11 FedEx Toyota Until Hamlin Returns" indicated that the affable 54-year-old veteran would sub throughout Hamlin's recovery. But apparently the deal was not cleared by Aaron's, which is sponsoring Martin in the #55 this season and has enjoyed a relationship with Michael Waltrip since 2000.(Fox Sports)(3-30-2013)

Vickers expected to pick up Martin's races at MWR: Michael Waltrip Racing didn't announce who will drive Martin's #55 Toyota in his absence, but it will most likely be [Brian] Vickers, who was slotted to drive nine of Martin's races this year. The team is believed to be considering Vickers as Martin's potential replacement, and this would give MWR a lengthier preview. Thursday [J.D.] Gibbs said his preference was to use just one driver in the #11 while Hamlin is sidelined. The organization has Elliott Sadler and Vickers running Nationwide Series cars, but neither was totally free of commitments to drive Hamlin's Cup car. Vickers had the Martinsville conflict and Sadler has a deal with sponsorship to run a fourth JGR car at Kansas and Talladega.(Associated Press)(3-29-2013)

Martin oversee's MWR training facility: #55-Mark Martin is overseeing the construction of Michael Waltrip Racing's new 7,500-square-foot training facility. The multi-level gym at the team's Cornelius, NC. shop will further the skills of pit crew members. The facility includes an inlaid car silhouette so crews can practice agility drills around a car, free weights, weight machines, Cross Fit elements, cardio equipment as well as locker rooms and offices. Construction should begin this week with completion expected within 90 days. Martin said: "I'm really enthused and excited about what we're working on getting at MWR. This has been a 10-month crusade to get the green light. It's fun. It's my second passion. I've been consulting with the strength staff and the coaching staff picking out equipment and designing the layout. We hope to have the nicest facility in the sport. You spend a lot of money on equipment in the sport and I think you are starting to see the teams invest even more in human performance." What is your normal workout routine? "Right now, it's five days a week -- five or four depending on what the schedule is, but usually five days a week. I only lift weights an hour and try not to let my weight lifting last beyond an hour because it's incredibly intense and somewhat counterproductive to go beyond 60 minutes."(MWR)(3-20-2013)

MWR hires models for Social Media Engagement efforts: The face of Michael Waltrip Racing's social media engagement is getting a new look that began Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Each NASCAR Sprint Cup race day, a team of digitally savvy models will roam the garage, infield, sponsor midway and hospitality areas to interact with NASCAR fans. The uniformed ladies will also lead a concerted social media effort from the track in 2013 in support of MWR's team initiatives and sponsors. Fans can interact with them via twitter by using the handle @MWRGirls. Uniquely, one of the @MWRGirls is Miss Florida Latina, speaks fluent Spanish and will lead MWR's effort to take the MWR/NASCAR experience to the Latino audience. Waltrip said over the years he noticed almost all of the social media communication from race teams is about cars, pit strategy, and the drivers. Instead, the @MWRGirls will take fans to a variety of events on race day, share insider information and show the magnitude of NASCAR Sprint Cup races.(MWR)(3-11-2013)

MWR Hires Christmas Abbout as full-time crew member: Michael Waltrip Racing announced today it has hired professional CrossFit competitor Christmas Abbott as a full-time pit crewmember for its NASCAR Sprint Cup operation. Abbott, 31, will be a "weekend warrior" with MWR, traveling to all NASCAR Sprint Cup events in a pit support role. Her long-term goal is to go over the wall as a tire changer. "This is just the first step for me," said Abbott who competed in several CrossFit competitions since 2006 and can overhead squat 200 lbs. "I've been training for several months. This is the most challenging thing I have ever done. I'm here to do whatever my coaches ask of me, and I don't want any handouts. I'm ready to work three races a weekend if that's what it takes to get me where I want to be. I'm in this for the long haul." MWR's pit coaches have seen enough development of the 5'3 115-pound Abbott to name her to the MWR travel squad. "This is another first for Michael Waltrip Racing," said founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip. "She is an incredible elite athlete and she has worked with our crews by bringing some cross-fit elements to their workouts. She is a competitor and when she decided to start working towards an over the wall position, we said we are the perfect place to make it happen. As Danica has seen, it takes a lot of work and dedication to get to the top level of her trade. With her Daytona 500 pole, it seems so much of that work has been worth it. I believe the same can hold true for Christmas. We expect her to excel or we wouldn't commit the position to her."(MWR)(2-21-2013)

NASCAR, Swan Racing and Waltrip to Pay Tribute to Newtown, CT, Community: Using the biggest race of the year as a backdrop, NASCAR, Swan Racing and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip announced today a special tribute to raise awareness and contributions for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. Following a private meeting with town officials, community leaders, first responders and victims' families last week in Newtown, Conn., NASCAR, Swan Racing and Waltrip announced that the #30 Lean1 Swan Racing Toyota will instead garner the #26 Sandy Hook School Support Fund Toyota. Waltrip's ride for the Daytona 500 will honor the 26 victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School and prominently feature a call-to-action decal encouraging the NASCAR community to make $10 donations by texting NEWTOWN to 80888.
The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, established jointly by United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank, supports the healing process for the broader Newtown community including children, teachers, first responders, families, residents, mental health professionals, counselors and others, following the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. One hundred percent of the funds raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund go to meet the needs of the Newtown community.
"Americans everywhere are heartbroken about the tragedy in Newtown and Swan Racing is proud to join NASCAR and the United Way of Western Connecticut to help the community move forward," said Swan Racing owner Brandon Davis.
In addition to piloting the #26 Newtown car in the Great American Race, Waltrip confirmed today that all three Michael Waltrip Racing entries will run the "text NEWTOWN to 80888" decal for the Daytona 500. "Driving the #26 Sandy Hook School Support Fund Toyota is like nothing I have ever been part of in my NASCAR career," Waltrip said. "It will be an emotional week knowing that we have the potential to do so much good for the Newtown community. I'm racing for a reason."
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France also announced today that he and his wife Amy would personally kick off the NASCAR industry support with a $50,000 donation that will be matched by The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities. "Being in Newtown last week and delivering a moment of happiness to that community was unlike anything I've ever experienced," said France. "Looking out at a room of smiling faces amidst the aftermath of a horrible tragedy was very powerful. It hit me that the NASCAR industry and our passionate fan base have an unbelievable opportunity to rally around this cause and make a huge difference for a community in need. I am excited to witness firsthand the NASCAR community's embrace and support of the Sandy Hook School Support Fund."
The Sandy Hook School Support Fund recently announced in cooperation with the Newtown Rotary Club Foundation that funds are available to help with the immediate financial and mental health needs for people impacted by the tragic events of Dec. 14. "One thing I can tell you for sure, is that there will be a whole lot of people in Sandy Hook and Newtown rooting for Michael and the No 26 car," said Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead. "It will be something positive to rally around, and there will be smiles on faces that haven't smiled in quite a while." The NASCAR community can contribute to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund by texting NEWTOWN to 80888. For fans without short-code texting plans with their wireless carriers, there are two additional opportunities to donate. Donations can also be made online at newtown.uwwesternct.org or by mail to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470.(MWR/NASCAR)(2-14-2013)

MWR Names Tom German as Chief Technical Officer: Michael Waltrip Racing announced it has hired Tom German as Chief Technical Officer for the NASCAR Sprint Cup organization. German has spent nearly 15 years with Penske Racing most recently serving as technical director for Penske's NASCAR teams. German will begin his duties after the Feb. 24 Daytona 500. The highest-ranking technical position at MWR became available when long-time MWR Technical Director Nick Hughes informed MWR he would return to his native Australia some time in 2013. Hughes joined MWR in 2008 creating and managing one of the best engineering staffs in NASCAR.
"This is such a bitter-sweet announcement for MWR," said MWR founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip. "It is so rare that a person of Tom German's experience and education comes along, period. It is even more remarkable that he became available at the perfect time. Nick has done such an amazing job and has become one of the most respected behind-the-scenes guys in NASCAR. The depth in our engineering department, the leadership that (Executive Vice President of Competition) Scott Miller has brought to us and now the addition of Tom German gives me so much confidence in the technical future of MWR. Every day is a new challenge and I am so proud of the team we have assembled to make those challenges opportunities."
German received his Master's degree in business administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management and his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron. "The first thing that attracted me to MWR was the culture of its employees. It is truly striking at first," said German. "After the first conversation it was obvious the ownership has committed to engineering excellence and that was the deciding factor. I can't wait to contribute to MWR's pursuit of a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship." Hughes will remain in the United States through this summer and will maintain a close relationship with MWR as a consultant over the medium term.(MWR)(2-13-2013)

Drivers to run Daytona Half Marathon: Prior to turning two high-speed qualifying laps in Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, several NASCAR drivers will first compete in the fifth annual Daytona Beach Half Marathon, which will start and end at historic Daytona International Speedway. The Central Florida Sports Commission and Daytona International Speedway, in partnership with Volusia County, will host the Daytona Beach Half Marathon on Sunday, Feb. 17, just one week before the 55th running of the Daytona 500. The Daytona Beach Half Marathon, which will start at 6:30 a.m. ET, is being held for the first time during Budweiser Speedweeks. Among the NASCAR drivers that have submitted applications to compete in the Daytona Beach Half Marathon are #48-Jimmie Johnson, #30-Michael Waltrip, #5-Kasey Kahne and #43-Aric Almirola. The Daytona Beach Half Marathon is open to runners and walkers, at least 12 years of age or older, who can complete the course in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes.(DIS)(2-6-2013)

Chad Walter joins MWR: Chad Walter has joined Michael Waltrip Racing as director of race engineering. Walter most recently led the #22 Penske Racing team and Sam Hornish in the Nationwide Series. He won races with both Hornish and Justin Allgaier and coached both drivers to fourth-place finishes in the NNS point standings. The 41-year-old Albion, N.Y. native was replaced by Greg Erwin at the end of last season. Walter, who attended Cornell University, replaces Steve Boyer at Michael Waltrip Racing. Boyer joined MWR two seasons ago but has returned to the private sector.(Fox Sports)(2-4-2013)

2013 silly season notes for #55-Mark Martin - Brian Vickers - Michael Waltrip / Michael Waltrip Racing: The team will run the same three drivers in the #55 in 2013 with a slightly different schedule. Mark Martin will run in 24 points races and the Sprint Unlimited and All-Star race. Brian Vickers will run the #55 in nine races. And team owner Michael Waltrip will run three restrictor plate races: Daytona in July and both Talladega races. Waltrip will run the #30 Swan Racing Toyota in the Daytona 500. Looks like Aaron's will be the primary sponsor for most of the races. Vickers may have a few races with a different sponsor as he did in 2012. Martin said recently he doesn't expect to be back in the #55 in 2014 and Vickers could be the leading candidate to run the car full time in 2014. Martin does not plan to retire and no word on his plans after 2013.
See images of the #55 schemes on my #55 Team Schemes page. See more about other teams on my 2013 Team / Driver Silly Season Chart.(2-3-2013)

Martin doesn't expect to drive #55 in 2014, but not retiring: Mark Martin said Tuesday he doesn't plan to drive the #55 Toyota after this season. "My goal is to make this car one of the most wanted rides in NASCAR for 2014," Martin said Tuesday. "I want to help [crew chief] Rodney Childers get there and see him race for a championship." Martin still can race for a championship this year at age 54 -- an owner's championship. He is driving 25 of 36 Cup events this year, sharing the ride again this season with Brian Vickers and team owner Michael Waltrip. But Martin wouldn't say if his driving career would end after this season. "It's way too early to speculate on that," Martin said. "I really enjoy working at Michael Waltrip Racing. I'll be around no matter what. But I want to do everything I can to get this team in position to race for a [driver's] championship in 2014." Martin also would not speculate on who might drive the car in 2014, but Vickers is an obvious candidate.(ESPN)(1-24-2013)

Michael Waltrip Racing Notes from the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour: team owner Michael Waltrip says, "This is breaking news: We don't have any news. There's really nothing new or different from 2012. Man are we happy about that."
Clint Bowyer on a 2nd-place hangover: "I've had a lot of hangovers, you fight through them." and also said his #15 team is not fully-sponsored, "We're definitely looking for some more sponsors on our car."
Mark Martin said #55 team was able to keep entire team together from 2012 to 2013,
Mark Martin said: "I don't expect to be in it (55 car in 2014) That's not my goal. My goal is to see Rodney & 55 car race for a championship" but on his 2014 plans: "It's too early to get into discussions about future behind the wheel. Some talk about being further involvement w/ 55 team."
MIchael Waltrip announces plans for new fitness facility at MWR and that Martin is helping to update the gym.
Brian Vickers only test in Gen6 car was last fall, but expects to test more before first race at Bristol.
Besides running nine race in the #55 for MWR, Vickers is also running full time in Nationwide with JGR.
Truex Jr. says Toyota Racing Development is playing a key role in development of new car and TRD was a key in 2012 success.(from many Twitter reports/feeds)(1-22-2013)

Waltrip on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner and part-time driver Michael Waltrip is scheduled to appear in the episode of the ABC-TV program Extreme Makeover Home Edition that airs Monday, Dec. 17, at 8:00pm/et. The Christmas-themed episode features a family that has fostered more than 30 children, including adopting a family of five siblings. The NBA's Charlotte Bobcats' female dance troupe also is featured.(ESPN)(12-15-2012)

Michael Waltrip Racing invests in auto research center: The opportunity to be part of the racetrack and automotive-research center being built on the site of Cooper Stadium [in Columbus, OH] was just too tempting for NASCAR team owner and driver Michael Waltrip to pass up. Waltrip announced that he and his racing team will be investors in the Sports Pavilion & Automotive Research Complex, or SPARC, being developed on the stadium site. "He had me from racetrack," the two-time Daytona 500 winner said of his initial discussions with Bill Schottenstein, principal of Arshot Investment Corp., developer of the complex. "Having my hands on designing and helping to build a racetrack is very exciting." Waltrip and Schottenstein both declined to say how much the team invested. The SPARC complex will include a half-mile racetrack with 8,500 seats, a 50,000-square-foot office building for the research center, 1,900 parking spaces, a hotel and meeting center, and four or five sites for restaurants or stores along Mound Street. It's unlikely, but possible an actual NASCAR race could take place at SPARC, Waltrip said. Waltrip Racing is based in Cornelius, N.C., and will use SPARC as a satellite operation and test center. Most tracks of the quality of SPARC, Waltrip said, are already connected to an existing NASCAR race, which means teams can't test their cars there. Cooper Stadium closed in 2008, and one of the goals of the new project is to spark the revitalization of the Franklinton area just west of Downtown.(Columbus Dispatch)(12-5-2012)

Martin leads tour of his museum for MWR: On its way to Texas last Thursday the Michael Waltrip Racing team made a stop in Batesville, Ark. to visit Mark Martin's museum at his car dealership. The seven-year-old museum is packed full of photos, uniforms, newspapers clippings, trophies, cars and memorabilia since Martin started driving on Arkansas dirt tracks for his father Julian. "This is an amazing place," said Mike "Nook" McCarville, the #55 shock specialist. "There's so much history of the sport here. To look at these cars and equipment and to see all the pictures shows you how far the sport has come and how much things change." Martin circulated among the 50 team members adding commentary to many of the displays. The museum is also a working modern car dealership. "I've wanted to bring these guys out here all year and stopping in Batesville on their way to Texas was the most convenient time," Martin said. "Arlene and I are proud of what we've built here. There are a lot of people who've helped me along the way. If you worked on any of my teams you'll probably find a picture of yourself somewhere in this building." Scott Miller, MWR's executive vice-president of competition, even found an old photograph of he and Martin racing at Riverside Raceway in the 1982 Sprint Cup race. Miller finished 13th that day. Rodney Childers & Kevin White With Martin"Now that was something I never expected to see here," Miller said. "That's pretty cool. What an honor." The museum on state road 167 in Batesville is open to the public daily. In April, Martin holds a daylong open house for fans where he signs autographs and brings racing celebrities. "It's been a long road and it's been a lot of fun and we really wanted to put all of that on display," said Martin.(MWR)(11-7-2012)

Dollar General expanding sponsoring of Joe Gibbs Racing UPDATE Vickers full ride: As many companies are trending away from full-season sponsorships in the Sprint Cup Series, Dollar General is moving toward a 36-race commitment. CEO Rick Dreiling said the discount retailer will increase its spending on NASCAR for the sixth consecutive year, backing Joe Gibbs Racing's #20 Toyota driven by Matt Kenseth for 17 races starting with next year's Daytona 500. That's up from 12 races this season. "Our goal is to grow into a full-time Cup ride," Dreiling told USA Today Sports. "But it's a little soon to commit if that's going to be next year or two to four years from now. That's all down the road." Dollar General also will sponsor a full-time car fielded by JGR for Brian Vickers in the Nationwide Series next season. Dreiling, who wouldn't disclose figures but called the deal part of an "orderly, methodical growth," said stock-car racing is the company's only national sports sponsorship because of internal marketing research that indicates its customers are 30 times more likely to be NASCAR fans than average consumers. Team owner Joe Gibbs said Home Depot, which has been sponsoring the No. 20 since 1999 but scaled back to 24 races this season, will pick up the other 19 races for Kenseth in 2013. JGR still is seeking more primary sponsorship in Sprint Cup to expand to a fourth car, but it will grow on the Nationwide Series in 2013. Vickers will drive one of three full-time cars next season on the second-tier circuit for JGR, which fielded two full-time Camrys this year.(USA Today)(11-6-2012)
UPDATE - Brian Vickers to run full NNS season with JGR: Joe Gibbs Racing announced that it has signed a new expanded partnership agreement with Dollar General for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The new agreement means Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, will drive Dollar General's familiar yellow and black #20 car in 17 Sprint Cup Races next season beginning with the Daytona 500 in February. In addition, Dollar General will return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series and will compete with a full championship season sponsorship with Brian Vickers at the wheel. Vickers will return to the Nationwide Series on a fulltime basis in 2013, 10 years after he won three Nationwide races and became the youngest driver to win the Series Championship at the age of 20.(JGR)(11-6-2012)

Martin, Vickers, Waltrip continue to share #55 in 2013: UPDATE: Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and Michael Waltrip will continue to share the driving duties in Michael Waltrip Racing's #55 Toyota in 2013. MWR announced Friday that Martin will drive in 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup points races, plus the Budweiser Shootout in Daytona and the All-Star race in Charlotte. Waltrip's three races include the July Daytona race plus both Talladega races. Vickers' nine races include all the Bristol, Martinsville, New Hampshire and road course events, as well as the Kentucky Speedway race. "I love my schedule and I love our lineup," said 40-time winner Martin whose four poles in 2012 equal the most of any driver. "Brian has a tremendous amount of experience and talent for such a young driver and you saw at Talladega that Michael Waltrip is as good as anyone in a restrictor plate race." Martin and Waltrip will continue to drive the Aaron's Dream Machine paint scheme in 2013 while sponsorship for six of Vickers' nine races is available.(MWR)(10-26-2012)
UPDATE: Vickers, in negotiations to drive a full-time Nationwide Series schedule for Joe Gibbs Racing next year, has four top-10s in seven starts. He said there are no guarantees Martin will retire after next season and he'll get the #55 full-time in 2014. "(Am I) in the wings? Yes," he said. "I don't think I could be any closer to the wing. There's no contractual obligation to 2014, but that's my goal and that's their goal." Vickers said he had other opportunities to possibly drive full-time next year, but opted to stay with Michael Waltrip Racing because of the chemistry he has developed with crew chief Rodney Childers and the opportunity to win races. "For me, staying with MWR was a conscious decision to be in the best position to win races," Vickers said.(ESPN)(10-27-2012)

Childers will return to #55 team: Rodney Childers will continue working his magic at Michael Waltrip Racing. The former-driver-turned-crew-chief of the #55 Toyota extended his contract with MWR on Monday - and announced the news on Twitter. Childers, 36, joined MWR in 2008. The following year he was paired with David Reutimann and together they earned the company's first victory in the 2009 Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and finished 16th in the standings, the organization's best finish until this season. Together the pair backed up the win with a second victory at Chicagoland Speedway in 2010. After Reutimann parted ways with MWR at the end of last year, Childers assumed responsibility for the # 55 Toyota team with multiple drivers - Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and team owner Michael Waltrip. Between the three racers the team has posted seven top fives, 14 top-10 finishes and four poles, by Martin. The car is currently 14th in owners points despite four engine failures this season.(Fox Sports)(10-17-2012)

PEAK sponsoring Bowyer for 3 races in 2013; associate on all MWR cars: Michael Waltrip Racing announced that PEAK Motor Oil will become a primary sponsor on Clint Bowyer's #15 Toyota for three races in each of the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons. MWR will also feature PEAK Motor Oil as an associate sponsor on the #56 NAPA AUTO PARTS TOYOTA and the #55 Aaron's Dream Machine driven by Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and Waltrip. The familiar PEAK logos will adorn Bowyer's hood at the May Talladega race, the July Daytona race and at Chicagoland in 2013. Waltrip said there are primary sponsorship opportunities open on the No. 15 in 2013. "5-hour ENERGY and PEAK are wonderful, powerful retail brands activating with this race team. We still have some work to do to fill out the 2013 schedule and need to bring some more partners to add to this great foundation of support," said Waltrip.(MWR)(9-14-2012)

Michael Waltrip Racing, Toyota Racing Extend Partnership: Michael Waltrip Racing announced a multi-year contract extension with TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) to keep the organization in the Toyota camp for years to come. MWR and Toyota entered Sprint Cup Racing - NASCAR's premier division - together in 2007. MWR currently fields three NASCAR Sprint Cup teams and is enjoying its best season with Martin Truex Jr. and Clint Bowyer in the top 10 in NASCAR Sprint Cup driver points and all three of its cars in the top 12 in owner points. MWR Toyotas have earned three poles and seven top-fives in the first 11 races in 2012.
"Toyota has been the cornerstone of MWR," said co-owner Michael Waltrip. "They took a chance on us in 2007 and together we have matured into who we are today. It was an honor to be part of the freshman class. Knowing we will be with Toyota for the next several years gives our drivers, our team members and our sponsors a sense of stability and confidence. MWR will be able to continue its competitive rise because we are insured Toyota's tier one level resources. Toyota is a partner in the truest sense of the word."
"For us, this is a vote of confidence that we are making positive moves towards a championship," said MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman. "There is more work to do and with Toyota's long-term support, it helps us make longer term decisions for the betterment of the business."
"We look forward to continuing our relationship with Michael Waltrip Racing -- a member of our 'freshman class' from 2007," said Lee White, TRD's president and general manager. "MWR has steadily grown into a championship-caliber race team, and the team is now stronger than it's ever been. We're extremely proud of all the team's accomplishments, and we look forward to much more success together." TRD will continue to provide MWR engines from its facility in Costa Mesa, Calif., as well as chassis engineering support from its state-of-the-art facility in Salisbury, N.C.(MWR)(5-22-2012)

MWR rewards crew with helmet stickers: Few weeks in the 10-month NASCAR Sprint Cup season put as great of a spotlight on pit crew members as the next two weeks at Charlotte Motor Speedway. At Michael Waltrip Racing, success is measured on the crew helmets. This year MWR began awarding helmet stickers like college football teams. The #55 helmets carry Aaron's Lucky Dog stickers, the #15 crew earns 5-hour ENERGY bottle decals and the #56 team receives NAPA Battery logos. "I'm a big fan of Ohio State football and have always liked the way the coaches reward big plays with buckeye stickers on the helmets," said MWR's pit coach Greg Miller. "We wanted to do something to reward the guys when they do something special on the crew." Miller awards stickers to each crew member for the following:
· A race with all stops under 13.49 seconds.
· Action "above and beyond" the normal job.
· A pit stop that moves the car into the top 10.
· Car retains the lead during a pit stop.
· At least two spots gained on pit lane while in the top 20.(MWR)(5-16-2012)

Some more odd owners points 'swaps? UPDATE: hearing that Frank Stoddard, owner of the #32 FAS Lane Racing team, has worked out a deal where the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing team [Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip as drivers] gets the 2011 owners points and a guaranteed starting spot in the Daytona 500 and next four races. Supposedly Terry Labonte will be the driver of the #32 Ford in the Daytona 500 and will have the past champions provisional to use if needed. Then the twist....after the Daytona 500, the #32 takes over the #6 owners points and will be guaranteed the next four races after the Daytona 500. This is all contingent on NASCAR's approval.(2-13-2012)
UPDATE: More points swapping and acquisition between race teams has landed veteran Mark Martin with a guaranteed starting position in this year's Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip Racing has worked out an agreement to transfer points from the FasLane Racing team to the #55 Toyota that Martin will pilot in 25 races this season. FasLane wound up inside the Top 35 of owner points last year and thus was guaranteed a starting spot in the first five events of the new year including the season-opening Daytona 500. While Waltrip will drive the #55 entry in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout, Martin will now not have to worry about qualifying for the Daytona 500 through time trials or the Gatorade Duel qualifying races. #32-FasLane is still expected to field a car this Sprint Cup Series season and veterans Terry Labonte and Ken Schrader remain part of the roster. Labonte brings a past champion's provisional with him that would guarantee a Daytona 500 start for the team if he is tabbed to drive in the season opener.(CBS Sports)(2-13-2012)

Jack Roush, Mark Martin, Garry Hill
Photo by HHP/Harold Hinson

Hill presents artwork to Martin: One perk of winning the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway is that Mooresville-based artist Garry Hill does a commemorative painting of each year's key moment, and the members of the winning team get prints of the limited edition work. Hill unveiled the 2005 painting showing Mark Martin celebrating his victory in that race on Monday. "That's probably the most meaningful victory of my career, and just because I'm getting old and it's hard to remember the other ones," Martin joked.