Contract Status: Driver: 2014; Primary Sponsor: Five Hour 2014, Peak Motor Oil 2015; Manuafactuer: 2013+

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)

Crew Members Suspended For Violation Of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy: Jackson L. (Lee) Dodson II, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Frank W. Earnhardt, a crew member in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. On May 9, Dodson was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book. On May 10, Earnhardt was found to have violated Sections 12-1 and 19.(NASCAR)
AND Michael Waltrip Racing has fired crew member Lee Dodson after Dodson was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance-abuse policy. Now in its fifth year of random drug testing, NASCAR suspends indefinitely anyone who fails a drug test. Before being reinstated, those suspended must meet with a substance-abuse professional and complete a recovery program based on the professional's recommendation. Dodson had joined MWR this year and had been working on the car of #15-Clint Bowyer. "Michael Waltrip Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policies and those who complete the Road to Recovery program," MWR said in a statement. "MWR's zero tolerance policy has resulted in the immediate termination of the employee."(Sporting News)(5-14-2013)

RK Motors sponsoring Bowyer UPDATE: Clint Bowyer will make his eighth Sprint Cup start at Darlington Raceway in the RK Motors Charlotte Toyota Camry. In seven previous starts, Bowyer has one top-10 (ninth in 2007). He won the pole in 2007 in only his second start at the track. It is one of two career NSCS pole awards that Bowyer has won - the other came at Loudon in 2007. RK Motors Charlotte is the country's leading retailer of investment-grade classic and collector cars. Founded in 2010 by Robert Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and Joseph M. Carroll, founder of Best of Show Automotive, RK Motors Charlotte's 80,000 sq./ft. facility features a 200-vehicle, state-of-the-art showroom complete with digital media studio, full restoration / customization shop and a full service area.(MWR)(5-10-2013)
UPDATE: At some point this weekend at Darlington Raceway Clint Bowyer is sure to look into a television camera and say: "I Ate The Bones." That's because Bowyer's #15 Toyota will carry Kentucky Fried Chicken's "I Ate The Bones" paint scheme Saturday night when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the 1.366-mile South Carolina track. Last month, KFC launched its revolutionary new Original Recipe Boneless chicken and accompanying "I Ate the Bones" advertising campaign to respond to an increase in consumer demand for boneless menu items.(MWR), see an image of the car on the #15 team paint schemes page.(5-10-2013)

Peak Motor Oil debuts at Talladega: Michael Waltrip Racing and Clint Bowyer welcome PEAK Motor Oil as the primary sponsor of the #15 Toyota Camry for this weekend's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. PEAK will serve as the #15's primary sponsor carrying a BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid paint scheme at Daytona in July and a PEAK Antifreeze scheme at Chicagoland in September. PEAK also serves as a major associate sponsor in every race. PEAK's commitment to the sport goes beyond paint schemes. PEAK's commercials featuring Bowyer and Waltrip air during race broadcasts and this year the Northbrook, Ill company initiated the "PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge", a search for the sport's next star.(MWR), see an image of the scheme on the #15 Team Schemes page.(5-2-2013)

Toyota recalls three Bowyer engines: A parts review by Toyota after #20-Matt Kenseth's penalty led the manufacturer to pull three engines from Michael Waltrip Racing's inventory as a precautionary move. All three engines recalled were earmarked for #15-Clint Bowyer. One was his engine for Saturday night's race at Richmond; the other two were his primary and backup engines for Talladega. "We took every connecting rod in our inventory and removed anything that was too close for comfort," Toyota Racing Development vice president David Wilson told The Associated Press. The review found that there was at least one connecting rod in each of the three Bowyer engines that left TRD uncomfortable in the wake of Kenseth's issue. The issue began when the manufacturer shipped the connecting rod to TRD even though it was outside the tolerance the manufacturer allows on weight. It came with paperwork that clearly stated its weight, and that was missed by TRD employees. Now the manufacturer is backtracking to double-check everything in inventory while also reviewing its own quality control practices.(Associated Press)(4-28-2013)

Toyota Care on Bowyer's car: #15 Toyota Camry driver Clint Bowyer knows he has momentum on his side as he returns to Richmond International Raceway for this weekend's Toyota Owners 400. Bowyer won last fall at Richmond in the final race before the start of the 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Bowyer also has a new paint scheme for his trip to the .75-mile D-shape oval which will carry extra meaning for him this weekend. Bowyer hosted the grand opening of the Clint Bowyer Autoplex Toyota dealership in his hometown of Emporia, Kan. last Thursday. This weekend, Bowyer is sponsored by Toyota Care. Toyota Care is a service program that comes free with the purchase or lease of every new Toyota vehicle. It provides roadside assistance, as well as routine service to give new Toyota owners peace of mind.(Michael Waltrip Racing)(4-25-2013)

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)

Bowyer's Autoplex opens Thursday: Thursday's [April 18th] grand opening of the Clint Bowyer Autoplex in his hometown of Emporia, Kan. will be a special day for the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota driver in many ways. Bowyer walks into the Autoplex as the owner of the dealership where he worked as a paint-less dent repair specialist and detailer. He'll be joined by three-time Sprint Cup champion Darrell Waltrip, Michael Waltrip Racing teammate Mark Martin, two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip plus several hundred race fans for the celebration. More info on the appearance schedule on my Driver Appearance page.(4-17-2013)

HBO's Real Sports profiles NASCAR Female Pit Crew Member - tonight: Now in its 19th season, Real Sports with Bryant Gumble, presents more enterprising features and reporting when its 193rd edition, available in HDTV, debuts Tuesday, April 16 (10:00-11:00 pm/et-pt), exclusively on HBO. One segment that may interest NASCAR fans: Christmas Time. Christmas Abbott is the first female to be part of a NASCAR pit crew and is poised to make history as the first woman on a Sprint Cup crew. At first glance, the petite 31-year-old doesn't seem like the type to do the laborious jobs required in the crew. Her strength and speed, however, make her a perfect fit for the pressure-filled job. At the height of the Iraq war, she visited the country with her mother, a contractor, and began a new workout regimen called CrossFit. A few years later, back in the States, she became a bona fide CrossFit star. In this REAL SPORTS/Sports Illustrated collaboration, Jon Frankel goes one-on-one with the Virginia native to learn more about her fast-rising star in NASCAR.(HBO)(4-16-2013)

Gander Mountain to sponsor Bowyer at Texas: Gander Mountain, the nation's largest retail network of outdoor specialty stores for hunting, fishing, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services, announced it will sponsor Michael Waltrip Racing's #15 car driven by Clint Bowyer in the Sprint Cup Series NRA 500 on Saturday, April 13, at Texas Motor Speedway. During next Saturday's primetime event, Gander Mountain will showcase on Michael Waltrip Racing's popular #15 car the company's firearms responsibility call to action: "With Rights Comes Responsibility; Secure Your Firearms." Beginning this Friday, April 5, Gander Mountain is encouraging firearms owners to take a responsibility pledge at GanderMountain.com and use the hashtag #responsibilitypledge in social media to raise awareness and encourage accountability on the subject of responsible ownership. "As a leading outdoors retailer, Gander Mountain is committed to the mandate of responsible firearms ownership, and the importance of guarding against firearms getting into the hands of the underaged, untrained and unauthorized," said Steve Uline, executive vice president of marketing for Gander Mountain. "We believe that with rights comes responsibility. For existing firearms owners and those considering becoming an owner, personal responsibility is paramount. " Gander Mountain's commitment to responsible ownership goes beyond marketing, including training thousands of firearms users annually via safety classes and private instruction. Also, Gander Mountain is initiating a company policy calling for all employees to ask all customers who purchase a firearm if they are properly equipped to safeguard it.(MWR), see an image of the car on the #15 team paint schemes page.(4-3-2013)

RK Motors sponsoring the #15 at Martinsville: #15-Clint Bowyer knows a thing or two about RK Motors Charlotte - his sponsor for this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. RK Motors Charlotte is the country's leading retailer of investment-grade classic and collector cars. Bowyer worked with RK Motors Charlotte on two of his custom car builds - a 2011 Toyota Tundra barn find truck with a red patina paint scheme and a 2012 Tekked Out Toyota Prius. RK Motors Charlotte is the country's leading retailer of investment-grade classic and collector cars. Founded in 2010 by Robert Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and Joseph M. Carroll, founder of Best of Show Automotive, RK Motors Charlotte's 80,000 sq./ft. facility features a 200-vehicle, state-of-the-art showroom complete with digital media studio, full restoration / customization shop and a full service area.(MWR)(4-3-2013)

Bowyer fights lawsuit in South Dakota: #15-Clint Bowyer is asking a judge in South Dakota to throw out a lawsuit filed against him by a motorcycle company. Klock Werks Kustom Cycles in Mitchell alleges that Bowyer failed to pay about $31,000 for customization work done on a motorcycle in late 2008 and early 2009. It's seeking the money plus 18% annual interest, along with attorney and court fees. Bowyer claims to have provided Klock Werks with numerous promotional services in exchange for the customized motorcycle. In court documents filed Feb. 28, Bowyer, 33, and his attorney Steve Sanford, of the Sioux Falls law firm Cadwell, Sanford, Deibert and Garry, motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed last May by Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, because they claim a Davison County court has a "lack of personal jurisdiction" over Bowyer in the case.(in part from the Daily Republic)(3-22-2013)

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)

Bowyer to make a stop in Kansas: Before #15 Clint Bowyer travels to Auto Club Speedway for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race, Bowyer spent a few days in his hometown of Emporia, Kan. opening the new Clint Bowyer Autoplex. Bowyer partnered with Davis-Moore Auto Group to purchase the Toyota dealership, formerly called Emporia Motors, where he once worked as a paint-less dent repair specialist and detailer. The Clint Bowyer Autoplex, 2815 U.S. Highway 50 in Emporia, is across the street from the Clint Bowyer Community Building. Davis-Moore Auto Group, out of Wichita, Kan., will run the day-to-day operations, while Bowyer focuses on his duties at Michael Waltrip Racing as the driver of the #15 5-Hour Energy Toyota.(MWR)(3-20-2013)

NAPA on Clint Bowyer's Toyota: March is filters month at NAPA Auto Parts, and to celebrate the month-long promotion, Clint Bowyer's Toyota will carry NAPA's iconic blue and yellow colors this weekend when the Sprint Cup Series visits Bristol Motor Speedway. Bowyer's #15 Toyota Camry will promote NAPA's $20.99 oil change special, while Martin Truex Jr.'s #56 Toyota Camry will adorn the traditional NAPA AUTO PARTS scheme. NAPA and the #15 car have a rich history, scoring two Daytona 500 wins together with Michael Waltrip behind the wheel. This will mark the first time since 2005 the NAPA AUTO PARTS shield will be on the hood of the #15 race car.(MWR), see an image ofthe car on the #15 team paint schemes page.(3-13-2013)

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)

Bowyer hits crewman during pitstop, is OK: Clint Bowyer hit one of his crewman on pit road during a confusing pit stop Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway. Bowyer came in for a two-tire pit stop and took off after his Michael Waltrip Racing crew changed the two right-side tires. One of his crewman was still running around the front of the car, however, and Bowyer hit him, knocking him over the hood of his car. The crewman appeared to be uninjured and the team changed direction and changed all four tires.(Sporting News)(3-4-2013)

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)

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)

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)

2013 silly season notes for #15-Clint Bowyer / Michael Waltrip Racing: After finishing a surprise 2nd in the 2012 Sprint Cup Championship after moving to Michael Waltrip Racing. No major changes known for the #15 team as Bowyer and Five Hour Energy are signed thru 2014. Bowyer does get a new sponsor for 2013. Peak Motor Oil will be the primary sponsor for three races. Five Hour Energy drink was committed for 20 races in 2013 and mid season picked up another 15 races with Aaron's sponsoring the #15 at Talladega in May. No word on how many races Five Hour Energy will sponsor Bowyer, but it'll be at least 20. Brian Pattie returns as the crew chief for Bowyer. Bowyer is scheduled to run the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Michael Waltrip Racing owners Rob Kauffman and Michael Waltrip. See images of the Peak Motor Oil scheme on my #15 Team Schemes page. See more about other teams on my 2013 Team / Driver Silly Season Chart.(1-6-2013)

AARWBA Names All America Team: The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Ass'n has announced its annual All America Team, which the group has done every year since the conclusion of the 1970 season. A unique team of special drivers representing multiple forms of professional motorsports is elected each year by AARWBA. The association's members vote on drivers within their participating categories of racing and the top two from each discipline are elected to the first team.
Brad Keselowski led the All American First Team voting in the Stock Car category as well as all divisions across the ballot. The 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion earned the most votes of any driver during the voting process. Jimmie Johnson fills out the other position with a third-place Sprint Cup standings finish, five points-paying wins and a victory in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. In the Touring Series category, James Buescher is recognized for his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
One other tradition that AARWBA has followed is to elect a Second Team to be honored along with the All-America winners. The AARWBA Second Team for stock cars were Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Clint Bowyer.(National Speed Sport News)(12-19-2012)

Keselowski, Bowyer not elgible for shootout: There's a saying in racing that it's not where you start, it's where you finish. But that doesn't necessarily ring true for NASCAR's preseason exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR decided prior to the start of the 2012 season to go back to its traditional eligibility requirements for the Shootout  pole winners from the previous year and past Shootout winners. That means the top two drivers in the 2012 standings  #2-Brad Keselowski and #15-Clint Bowyer  aren't on the list of 22 drivers eligible for the 2013 event. Not since 2004, when 2003 champion Matt Kenseth did not win a pole, has the Shootout been run without the previous year's Cup champion. The event used to be sponsored by Budweiser, which originally had also sponsored NASCAR's pole award. When Coors took over the pole award sponsorship in 2009, the eligibility rules changed and continued to change annually. A new sponsor and a new format for the Feb. 16 event are expected to be announced soon.(Sporting News), see a list of all elgible drivers on the 2013 Shoutout page.(12-7-2012)

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)

Gordon-Bowyer still not speaking to each other: #24-Jeff Gordon and #15-Clint Bowyer haven't spoken since Gordon intentionally wrecked Bowyer at Phoenix on Nov. 11, an incident that triggered a garage-area melee between the drivers' crews and earned Gordon a $100,000 fine from NASCAR. Gordon said Thursday that the season-ending activities this week in Las Vegas have been "awkward" because he and Bowyer haven't socialized. Bowyer is popular among the other drivers and considered the life of the party. "It's been awkward because I've always had a good relationship with him, we've always talked and had fun," Gordon said. "That's obviously not the case. I thought he might have gotten over it at least enough to look at me, but he won't even look at me, and when you are in this type of environment, that's going to be odd." Bowyer, meanwhile, still doesn't want to discuss the incident. He and Gordon spoke in the NASCAR hauler at Phoenix, but haven't talked since. Bowyer would not talk about it with reporters during the season finale at Homestead and on Thursday indicated he's not ready to resolve the issue with Gordon. He three times tried to change the subject, even once attempting to instead talk about nightclubs before finally growing exasperated. "Good God," he said. "Is that my story I have to talk about?"(in part from the Associated Press)(11-30-2012)

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)

Bowyer gets a new spotter: Will the replacement of a key member of his team be a challenge for Clint Bowyer, as the driver of the #15 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota enters the Chase? Bowyer doesn't think so, and on Wednesday at the House of Blues, he talked about the addition of Brett Griffin, who will take the place of MWR general manager Ty Norris on the spotter's stand, starting this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Griffin's voice won't be unfamiliar to Bowyer. When he and Jeff Burton raced as teammates at Richard Childress Racing--where Burton and Bowyer paired up in restrictor-plate events--Griffin spotted for the tandem. Griffin, who serves as NASCAR Nationwide Series spotter and business manager for Elliott Sadler, lost his job as Burton's spotter after Sadler announced plans to leave RCR at the end of the season despite leading the NASCAR Nationwide standings.(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-13-2012)

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)

5-hour Energy expands sponsorship of #15: 5-hour Energy announced it will sponsor Michael Waltrip Racing's #15 Toyota driven by Clint Bowyer for the all but one of the remaining races in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The move increases 5-hour's sponsorship from 25 to 37 events. "5-hour Energy is extremely excited about the consumer exposure and sales growth we have achieved since moving up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and partnering with Michael Waltrip Racing and Clint Bowyer this season," said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy. Waltrip said the team's internal numbers show the #15 Toyota has garnered tremendous exposure for 5-hour in the first seven races. MWR and 5-hour Energy announced a 25-race partnership at Kansas Speedway in October. Today's announcement means 5-hour Energy will sponsor the #15 for 35 of 36 points races in 2012. 5-hour ENERGY also sponsored the #15 in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona and will sponsor the #15 in the Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte. Aaron's will sponsor Bowyer at Talladega Superspeedway on May 6 in his only non-5-hour race in 2012. The car will honor the University of Alabama's BCS National Championship football team.(MWR)(4-20-2012)

Bowyer signs with Michael Waltrip Racing UPDATE crew chief? Michael Waltrip Racing announced Clint Bowyer will drive the team's #15 Toyota with 5-hour Energy as the primary sponsor for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons beginning at the 2012 Daytona 500 [for 24 races a season]. The announcement ends months of speculation for the highly valued free agent. "This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing," said Bowyer. "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."
Bowyer, 32, is a six-year veteran with four victories, two pole positions, 30 top-five finishes and 90 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. MWR is finishing its fifth season competing in the Sprint Cup series and has scored two wins.
"This is a watershed moment for our young organization," said Michael Waltrip, who co-owns MWR with Rob Kauffman. "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."
Bowyer, of Emporia Kan., unveiled the #15 Toyota in front of his home state fans at Kansas Speedway on Friday. "Michael Waltrip Racing is a growing team that is hiring a lot of the right people and on the brink of breaking out. I know I'm joining it at the right time," he said. Waltrip welcomed 5-hour Energy to the MWR partner family that includes primary sponsors NAPA Auto Parts, Aaron's and Toyota. "It is an exciting time in our company as we make the transition into the Sprint Cup series", said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy. "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."(MWR), see an image of the car on my 2012 #15 Team Schemes page.(10-7-2011)
UPDATE Bowyers Crew Chief? But Waltrip wouldn't reveal Bowyer's new crew chief. However sources close to the team suggest it could be veteran crew chief Brian Pattie, who has been running Juan Pablo Montoya's team for car owner Chip Ganassi. Ganassi replaced Pattie with James Pohlman in July.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)