Drivers Test at New Smyrna: Tuesday Marcos Ambrose tested his #47 Kroger NASCAR at the half-mile high-banked New Smyrna Speedway. Preparing for his second full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, the Australian driver shared the track today with #13-Max Papis, #00-David Reutimann and #5-Martin Truex Jr. It's the first time Ambrose has been in a car in over two months. "I just want to dust off the cobwebs," said Ambrose.(MarcosAmbrose.com)(1-27-2010)
Aaron's adds six Sprint Cup races as sponsor: Aaron’s, Inc. announced it will add six more Sprint Cup races, plus the Sprint All-Star Race to its 2010 schedule. The additional races increase Aaron’s total to 24 races as the primary sponsor of the Michael Waltrip Racing #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine driven by David Reutimann. The six additional point races coming in the first half of the season include: Auto Club, Dover, Pocono, Michigan, Infineon and New Hampshire. “We are pleased that Aaron’s expanded our involvement with David and the #00 team this season,” said Robin Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer for Aaron’s, Inc. “We have developed an excellent relationship with David, Michael Waltrip and this organization over the years and they have continued to deliver solid results for Aaron’s. Adding these six races reinforces our commitment to this team and confidence in this sport. We look forward to another exciting year on the track.” Aaron’s is in the second year of a three-year Sprint Cup sponsorship agreement with Reutimann and MWR after serving as the team’s Nationwide sponsor since 2000. In addition to Reutimann’s 24 Sprint Cup races, Aaron’s plans to sponsor nine races on the #99 Toyota for newly-formed Diamond-Waltrip Racing and 18-year-old Trevor Bayne in the Nationwide Series. Aaron’s will also sponsor Waltrip’s return to the Nationwide Series at the Aaron’s 312 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24.(MWR)(1-20-2010)
NASCAR To Represent Michael Waltrip Racing Licensing Business: NASCAR and Michael Waltrip Racing announced today a new partnership in which NASCAR will become the sole licensing representative for the race team. The agreement includes all driver marks within the Michael Waltrip Racing team, including David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr., Michael Waltrip, as well as young future stars Trevor Bayne and Ryan Truex. With this agreement, NASCAR’s licensing business, headquartered out of Charlotte, N.C. at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, will utilize its assets to grow the licensed product business and provide retailers with new and more comprehensive product options for the MWR team, including track merchandise opportunities, e-commerce channels and national retail outlets. NASCAR will also provide retail development, new business, marketing, public relations and media assets in expanding the licensed product portfolio that includes apparel, collectibles, novelty, gifts, headwear and other non-traditional licensing concepts.(NASCAR)(1-14-2010)
Alabama scheme for #00 at 'Dega: Aaron's proudly announced it will honor the new BCS National Champion University of Alabama with a commemorative Crimson Tide-themed NASCAR paint scheme. The Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) #00 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota, to be driven by David Reutimann, will make its on-track debut April 25 in the Aaron's 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway. As a corporate sponsor of Alabama and the University of Texas, Aaron's supports both teams and wanted to celebrate the winner no matter who it turned out to be. With Alabama's win, the racecar is sure to be a fan favorite as it will feature the school's trademark Crimson and the official national championship logo when competing at the school's home racetrack. "Aaron's couldn't be more proud that two of its partner universities were represented in this year's national championship game," said Robin Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer of Aaron's, Inc. "While Alabama clinched the title, Texas put up a tough fight making the game one of the most outstanding in BCS history. We are honored and excited to take Alabama's triumph a step further with the opportunity to put this commemorative racecar in victory lane at our race in Talladega." The program will kick off at the University of Alabama A-Day game scheduled for April 17 where the racecar will be unveiled and displayed prior to the football game. The car will then move on to Talladega Superspeedway for the Aaron's Dream Weekend, before starting a tour throughout the state making stops at select Aaron's stores. Fans and collectors can pre-order limited edition 1/24-scale collectable die cast replicas of the racecar at Aaron's stores nationwide starting January 22. Quantities are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The replicas are expected to arrive in stores by the middle of May. For more information, details about how to pre-order and Aaron's store locations, visit www.shopaarons.com. Register to WIN a trip to the Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.(Aaron's), see an image of the car on my #00 Team Schemes page.(1-12-2010)
Aaron’s to Celebrate BCS National Championship Winning Team with Paint Scheme - it'll be Alabama: Aaron’s is already a winner when it comes to this year’s BCS National Championship football game between the University of Alabama and the University of Texas. As a corporate sponsor of both universities’ athletic programs, Aaron’s is guaranteed a victory no matter which team wins tonight’s game and will create a celebratory race program for the winning school that incorporates Aaron’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race team.
Aaron’s plans to produce a special National Championship paint scheme that will be featured on their NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racecar driven by David Reutimann. If the University of Texas wins, the Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) #00 Sprint Cup Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota will sport the UT burnt orange and official national championship logo at Texas Motor Speedway April 18. If the University of Alabama collects the victory, the car will feature ‘Bama’s famed crimson along with the championship logo in the Aaron’s 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway April 25 [Note: Alabama won the game].
“Aaron’s is in a unique position to be able to commemorate the achievements of this year’s national football champion with our racecar program,” stated Robin Loudermilk, Chief Executive Officer of Aaron’s, Inc. “We look forward to unveiling this racecar during a celebration on campus just before it goes to the racetrack to compete. We can’t think of a better way to honor the winning team’s achievements.”
“This paint scheme is going to be a huge hit with fans, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to drive this car,” said driver David Reutimann. “But the pressure is going to be on me to win. Aaron’s is in a ‘no-lose’ situation with these two great football teams, so I am going to have to get this car to victory lane to keep the winning going.”
The racecar program will be supported with a traveling showcar that will make appearances at Aaron’s stores throughout the winning state weeks before and after the race. Aaron’s is also making available a limited edition line of collectable merchandise that will include a 1/24-scale die cast replica of the racecar and a racing t-shirt. The merchandise will be available exclusively at Aaron’s stores in the winning state, the winning university’s bookstores, the MWR trackside merchandise trailer and at www.shopaarons.com.(Aaron’s PR)(1-8-2010)
Best Western to sponsor Reutimann: Phoenix-based Best Western will be primary sponsor of David Reutimann's #00 Toyota at Phoenix International Raceway next April.(Arizon Republic)(11-15-2009)
Michael Waltrip Racing extends with Toyota: Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced the extension of its partnership with Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The new agreement will keep the emerging organization with the manufacturer through the end of 2012. In 2010, MWR will field the #00 Aaron’s/Tums/Best Western Toyota full-time with driver David Reutimann, the #55 Toyota with Michael Waltrip on a limited basis and the #56 NAPA Auto Part Toyota full-time with Martin Truex Jr. Additionally, MWR signed a two-year technical alliance extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing to field the #47 Toyota with driver Marcos Ambrose. MWR receives engines from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) out of Costa Mesa, California, along with Red Bull Racing. TRD’s Salisbury, N.C., facility supports MWR’s vehicle dynamics and development, aerodynamics, tire data analysis and race strategy programs. This announcement comes on the heels of MWR announcing 100% renewal with its existing sponsors, a new relationship with TUMS as a primary and associate sponsor on the #00, a two-year extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing and a new partnership with its NASCAR Nationwide Series team with Gary and Blake Bechtel forming Diamond-Waltrip Racing to field Camrys for 18-year-old phenom Trevor Bayne.(MWR)(11-14-2009)
Mobil 1 and Toyota UPDATE: not quite sure what this is all about, have heard nor seen anything but......Mobil 1 Racing and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) U.S.A to make announcement about 2010 NASCAR season Friday at Phoenix International Raceway, scheduled to be attending the announcement are Brian Vickers, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota; Michael Waltrip, owner of Michael Waltrip Racing and driver of the #55 NAPA Toyota; Lee White, President and General Manager, TRD; Harold Shablom, Global Motorsport Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties.(PR)(11-13-2009)
UPDATE: ExxonMobil and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) unveiled a new technological partnership in which ExxonMobil will provide its Mobil 1 racing oil technology and products to TRD- supported NASCAR teams. Kicking off at the start of the 2010 NASCAR season, TRD-supplied NASCAR engines will be filled with specially modified motor oil based on the same technology available to consumers in Mobil 1 Racing oils, which were unveiled in April. The TRD-specific motor oils will deliver outstanding power via unique low-friction synthetic lubricant technology combined with boosted levels of anti-wear additives to protect and extend the life of engine hardware. Formally announced before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, the collaboration will pair Mobil 1, the “Official Motor Oil of NASCAR,” with one of NASCAR’s top engine manufacturers. With this new partnership, ExxonMobil’s racing oil technology will now provide performance and protection for the TRD-supported Red Bull Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing NASCAR teams.(Toyota PR)(11-14-2009)
Tums to sponsor Reutimann: TUMS announced a multi-year partnership with Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) to sponsor David Reutimann’s #00 Toyota Camry starting with the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. TUMS will be prominently displayed as the primary sponsor on the #00 Toyota Camry for five races during the 2010 and 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series seasons with Coca-Cola 600 winner Reutimann as the driver. The brand also will have visibility as a full-time associate sponsor beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach. TUMS will continue to be featured as a primary sponsor for one race and a full-time associate sponsor on the #42 Chevy driven by Juan Pablo Montoya through a partnership with Target.(Michael Waltrip Racing), see an image of the scheme on the MWR site or on my 2010 #00 Team Schemes page.(11-6-2009)
Aaron's increases their sports marketing budget: Aaron’s has boosted its sports marketing budget by 10% — about $1 million a year — inking deals with the University of Alabama, NASCAR [Michael Waltrip Racing's #00 Toyota] and Philips Arena, home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers. Aaron’s, which has seen its sales grow during the Great Recession, leases and sells residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, and home appliances and accessories. With an 18% increase in customers compared with a year ago, Aaron’s has the cash flow to spend on sports sponsorships, which the company has found to be a very effective way to reach its target market: households with annual incomes of $50,000 or less. Aaron’s has existing sports partnerships with Georgia Tech, the University of Texas and NASCAR’s Michael Waltrip Racing. “Companies continue to tighten their marketing dollars,” said William Chipps, senior editor at IEG Sponsorship Report. “It doesn’t surprise me that Aaron’s has ramped up [its sports marketing]. They’ve been involved in sponsorships for years. They’ve played a lot in motor sports.” Aaron’s sponsorship with NASCAR, in particular, “gives them a chance to directly communicate with people who tend to be their customers,” Chipps said. IEG has seen other “value retailers” increasing their sports sponsorships, as the economy has sagged, to more effectively reach their customers, he said. “Dollar General has also been increasing its involvement with motor sports, too,” Chipps said. And Aaron’s is looking for even more sponsorship opportunities, Aaron’s CEO Robin Loudermilk said. “A lot of opportunities are coming our way and we’re taking advantage of it to increase our exposure,” he said. “Sports marketing will be a major part of marketing in our foreseeable future.”(in part from the Atlanta Business Journal)(10-19-2009)
Reutimann needs additional sponsorship: Michael Waltrip wants to race next year but the priority at Michael Waltrip Racing is to fill the sponsorship for Sprint Cup driver #00-David Reutimann next year, MWR vice president and general manager Ty Norris said Sunday. Depending on how deals fall in the next few weeks, Reutimann could have as many as 12 races open. Aaron's is going to be the sponsor for half the season for Reutimann. "We may be as few as six or as many as [needing] 12," Norris said prior to the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway. "It depends on how contracts fall the next couple of weeks. … We are going to make some announcements in the next two or three weeks on a number of other [sponsors]."(SceneDaily)(10-12-2009)
Reutimann's Auto Club qualifying time disallowed: UPDATE: #00-David Reutimann, who was second fastest in qualifying, had his time disallowed after the rear shock was determined to have a gas level too high. He will now start the race in 42nd. No other penalties are expected.(10-9-2009)
UPDATE: Michael Waltrip twittered Friday night that there were 25psi more than the maximum allowed in the shock. Michael Waltrip Racing checked their gauge against NASCAR's and found that MWRs was off.(10-10-2009)
Drivers racing at East Lincoln Speedway: Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and A.J. Allmendinger will join Ray Evernham at East Lincoln Speedway on Wednesday night September 30th as Stanley presents a special night to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Charlotte Affiliate to help fund life-saving breast cancer community outreach programs. Kahne, Sadler and Evernham will be aboard specially designed open wheel race cars in a match race and Sadler will also be the guest commentator for the event.(East Lincoln Speedway PR)
AND: David Reutimann and Erik Darnell are set to join a host of NASCAR stars at East Lincoln Speedway on Wednesday night September 30th as Stanley presents ‘Real Drivers Wear Pink.’(Gaston Gazette)(9-29-2009)
Reutimann to run camo scheme at Atlanta: #00-David Reuitmann is scheduled to run the Aaron’s Outdoors/Mossy Oak Brand 'Tree Stand' Camo paint scheme in the Pep Boy's Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. See many images of the scheme on my #00 Team Schemes page.(Aaron's Sports)(8-18-2009)
Hamlin surprised about Reutimann's comments: #00-David Reutimann said Wednesday he was not ready to forgive #11-Denny Hamlin for the accident at Pocono Raceway that essentially ended his championship hopes. That, apparently was news to Hamlin. "I was surprised," Hamlin said Friday at Watkins Glen International. "We actually talked that night and he seemed fine. He didn't say that he was angry or anything. I've been in that situation before where you're battling for a Chase spot. It's not always about one race. There's a lot of races that lead up to it. I'm apologetic about it for sure. It's something that I didn't mean to do, but you can't put the blame all on me if he doesn't make the Chase."(ESPN/AP)(8-8-2009)
Reutimann still miffed at Hamlin over Pocono wreck: #00-David Reutimann doesn't buy the explanation #11-Denny Hamlin gave for the wreck in Monday's Sprint Cup race at Pocono that may also have wrecked his chances of making the Chase. Reutimann said he never brake-checked Hamlin, as the eventual race winner claimed occurred prior to the accident on Lap 174 that not only took out Reutimann but also Michael Waltrip Racing teammate #47-Marcos Ambrose. He said Hamlin basically ran over him in an effort to get position. "I was just trying to get away from him," Reutimann said on Wednesday. "In the end, if you push a guy sideways enough he's not going to be able to bring it back. I didn't hear [his] explanation, but I can tell you it's pretty inaccurate. I was in the throttle all the time to the point I was hung out so far I kind of had to do something." Reutimann went on to say he was as "mad as heck" at Hamlin, even though the two have exchanged text messages in which Hamlin apologized. "If a guy says he's sorry I tend to believe it," Reutimann said. "Look back at Daytona at what I did to Ryan Newman. Everybody's capable of making mistakes. I'm a forgiving guy if he sincerely apologizes or says he was in the wrong. In the end I'm still confused at why it happened. It wasn't just one shot. It was multiple shots." Reutimann entered the race in 13th place in points, 68 out of the top 12 who would qualify for the Chase. He was in position to possibly move into the top 12 with a solid finish after having run up front most of the day. The wreck left him 16th in points, 121 off the cutoff point, after finishing 29th.(ESPN)(8-6-2009)
Reutimann testing road course: #00-David Reutimann is testing today at the Carolina Motorsports Park road course in Kershaw, SC in preparation for the race at Watkins Glen on August 9th.(7-27-2009)
- Childers and Reutimann to Each Receive a Muscle Car: On Wednesday, July 1st, at 11am/et, David Reutimann and his #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota crew chief Rodney Childers will become proud owners of a pair of 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustangs. The keys to each car will be presented to them by Rob Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing and owner of RK Collection LLC in Concord.
How did these guys get so lucky? On the night of qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 in May, Reutimann and Childers made a bet with Kauffman. If the two were able to bring home the Coca-Cola 600 trophy from Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kauffman would allow both of them to take home one trophy muscle car from his RK Collection auto restoration shop. On Monday, May 25th, Reutimann was declared a first-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner and presented with the coveted Coca-Cola 600 trophy. As Kauffman was boarding a plane to Europe simultaneously, he received a call from Victory Lane. Kauffman will hand over the two sets of keys on Wednesday - one set to Childers and one to Reutimann. RK Collection LLC [rk-collection.com] is located at 7975 Westwinds Blvd NW in Concord.(more info at MichaelWaltrip.com)(6-29-2009)
- MWR Owner to broadcast from England: Even though Rob Kauffman [co-owner of MWR] will be in London, England, he will be watching closely as he makes his color commentator debut in the UK during the Sprint Cup Series Lenox Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway live on Sky Sports alongside presenter Keith Huewen and British Racing driver John Mickel, who has previously raced in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. “Michael Waltrip gave me some pointers being that it is my first time as a color analyst,” Kauffman said. “He said, ‘First, don’t make anything up and second try not to be boring.” Sky Sports broadcasts NASCAR Sprint Cup races across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sky Sports takes the feed via a satellite from the U.S. and supplements the coverage with their studio presentation. One night while watching the show, Kauffman emailed in to compliment Sky Sports’ coverage. The show's producer, Dawn White, then contacted Kauffman and invited him to be a part of Sunday’s show since he is co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing.(MWR)(6-27-2009)
- Congrats: Ken Butler III, driver of the #23 Aaron's Dream Machine Chevy, and wife, Jaime, welcomed their daughter into the world on Saturday, May 23 at 2:32 p.m. weighing in at 6 lbs, 7 oz. This was the beginning of a big weekend for the Butler's as Ken Butler, COO of Aaron's, became a grandparent for the first time and his company went to Victory Lane for the first time in a Sprint Cup Series race with David Reutimann winning the Coca Cola 600 in the #00 Aaron's Toyota.(5-26-209)
- Reutimann wins Coca-Cola 600: #00-David Reutimann won the Coca Cola 600 [actually 340.5] at Lowe's Motor Speedway, his first career win in 75 races. Reutimann stayed out and didn't pit when the final caution for another rain shower which happened on lap 227. Reutimann becomes the 20th driver to win a race in all three national series [Cup, Nationwide, Trucks]. #39-Newman [the pole sitter[ finished 2nd, followed by #7-Robby Gordon [his first top five since Watkins Glen in Aug 2007 and first oval top five since a 5th at Talladega in April 2004], #99-Edwards, #83-Vickers, #18-Busch, #9-Kahne, #42-Montoya, #20-Logano and #17-Kenseth. Points leader #24-Gordon finished 14th and maintains the points lead. There were 14 lead changes among 10 drivers and 6 cautions for 40 laps.
For race results, awards and more on the Coca Cola 600 Race Results Page.
For drivers and owners points standings, see the Drivers/Owners Points Standings.(5-25-2009)
- MWR welcomes new Vice President Sales and Service: Michael Waltrip Racing announced Chris Marciani will serve as Vice President Sales and Service for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series operation. “The future is very bright for MWR and the company is enjoying a tremendous amount of momentum right now," Marciani said. “The race teams are competitive on the track and the company is anchored by great partners like NAPA, Aaron's, Best Western and Toyota. MWR has a great piece of inventory left to sell for 2010 and beyond, the second half of the #00 with David Reutimann. Since he has become the ‘Franchise’ I look forward to talking to corporate partners about his remarkable run for ‘The Chase’ and the value he brings to partners. MWR has a championship-caliber Nationwide Series team with a lot of inventory left, so it’s going to be exciting to sell national programs with real value.” Marciani joins the company following his two-year tenure as Vice President of Partnership Marketing at Bobcats Sports and Entertainment. While with the NBA Charlotte Bobcats, he managed the team’s existing corporate partnership base and new business development. Ty Norris, Vice President and General Manager, was instrumental in Marciani making his next career move.(MWR)(5-12-2009)
- Michael Waltrip Racing and JTG-Daugherty invite fans to visit Raceworld USA for a meet and greet during the second annual Fan Appreciation Day and driver autograph session at the state-of-the-art facility on Wednesday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Raceworld USA, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, Cornelius, N.C. 28031.
Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann, Marcos Ambrose, Scott Speed, Michael McDowell and Ryan Truex will all be on site to sign autographs. Also, JTG-Daugherty Racing’s team owners will also sign autographs - - Tad and Jodi Geschickter and Brad Daugherty.
To ensure fans receive time with all drivers, 300 wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis beginning Tuesday, May 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on May 20th starting at 10 a.m. at the Raceworld USA retail store.
Entrance to the Raceworld USA lobby area to obtain driver autographs is free. To tour the entire facility there is a nominal fee described below. For each person that brings a pet food donation for a dog or cat will receive $2 off the price of admission. Also, some of the proceeds from the day will go to the Animal Adoption League. For more information about the Animal Adoption league visit www.mynextpet.com.
The Animal Adoption League is a non-profit organization. The Animal Adoption League’s mission is to provide veterinary care and temporary housing for homeless animals, to provide an adoption outlet for the permanent placement of these animals, to educate the general public in the proper care of animals and the importance of reducing pet overpopulation and to work for the welfare of all animals.
For more information on Raceworld USA, visit www.michaelwaltrip.com.(5-8-2009)
- Lowe's Foods partners with MWR: Lowes Foods and Michael Waltrip Racing have teamed up to race for the checkered flag in three races this season at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Lowes Foods is proud to be an associate sponsor of the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota and #55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota as David Reutimann and Michael Waltrip compete in the NASCAR Sprint Showdown for a spot in the All-Star Race on Saturday, May 16th. Lowes Foods associate sponsorship will continue with the two Michael Waltrip Racing entries for the 600-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on Sunday, May 24th. Lowes Foods also announces their primary sponsorship of the #99 Toyota Camry driven by David Reutimann in the Nationwide Series race on Friday, October 16th. As part of this partnership, Lowes Foods customers will receive one free entry to Michael Waltrip Racing’s Raceworld USA when a valid Lowes Foods receipt over $25 is presented at the entrance during the month of October. Additionally, Lowes Foods will hold a sweepstakes where two customers will have the opportunity to win a grand prize fantasy trip to the Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on October 17, 2009, a second place prize, a shopping cart race with David Reutimann worth $500 of free groceries or a third place prize, a $250 Lowes Foods gift card and a Michael Waltrip Racing prize pack. More info at www.lowesfoods.com.(MWR PR)(5-5-2009)
- MWR plane develops trouble, but is OK: UPATE: A private aircraft landed safely at McCarran International Airport this [Thurs., Feb 19th] afternoon after the left engine had to be shut down during the flight. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the Canada Air Challenger CL60 was en route to Ontario, Calif. [near Auto Club Speedway], when it diverted to Las Vegas because of the engine trouble. McCarran spokesman Chris Jones said the plane landed without incident on the west side of the airport. The Clark County Fire Department was alerted to the problem. Fire Department spokesman Scott Allison said no injuries were reported and the 48 people on board the regional jet all exited the aircraft safely after the incident, which happened about 4:20pm. It was unclear what caused the engine trouble. Gregor said the aircraft is owned by Michael Waltrip Racing [no word if driver/owner Micheal Waltrip was on the plane].(Las Vegas Sun)(2-2-2009)
UDPATE: "There was an issue with one motor that lost oil pressure, so they shut it down," [Marcos] Ambrose said. "On the landing, apparently the other motor got jammed in reverse thrust. But everybody is safe and sound." All three crews for MWR -- Ambrose's #47 Toyota, Waltrip's #55 Camry and David Reutimann #00 car -- were on the plane, but none of the drivers were on board. Tad Geschickter, co-owner of Ambrose's car, also was on the flight.(ESPN.com)(9-21-2009)
- Aaron's to sponsor #00 for full season: Michael Waltrip confirmed Thursday that Aaron’s has agreed to sponsor the #00 MWR Toyota of David Reutimann for the entire season. Aaron’s originally had planned to be the primary sponsor of the car for just half the 2009 Sprint Cup season, but Waltrip said he’s signed the company for the whole year. “There’s two reasons why it’s huge,” Waltrip said during NASCAR’s annual Media Day prior to the opening of Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. “Aaron’s has been a great partner. The Aaron’s Dream Machine has been the roots for what MWR is today. We raced that car (in the Nationwide Series) from behind my house. Toyota noticed what we did. They said, ‘Hey, we want you to be an owner at the Cup level.’ So it’s the reason I’m here today. Secondly, they (Aaron’s) stepped up to half season of Cup and I was talking to (Ken) Butler, the CEO, and I said, ‘Reutimann’s going to win. You watch.’ And I said, ‘If he wins in somebody else’s car, that’s going to really get on my nerves, because you guys have put us here. e want him to win in your car.’ And we were going to leave Daytona and go to California either with out a sponsor or a different sponsor. I just couldn’t handle that, so we talked and we worked (it out).”(SPEEDtv)(2-5-2009)
- Reutimann to run full season for Waltrip: Michael Waltrip Racing owner Michael Waltrip says the #00 Toyota team for driver David Reutimann will run the full Sprint Cup season this year despite not having full sponsorship. Waltrip said on a national conference call with reporters on Wednesday that Reutimann will be sponsored by Aaron’s for “half a season” as the company steps up to the Cup series for the first time after many years as a Waltrip sponsor in what is now known as the Nationwide Series. Waltrip said the first race Reutimann would be without sponsorship would be the Feb. 22 event at Auto Club Speedway in California. The search for sponsorship for Reutimann continues, Waltrip said, and a potential backer would be getting a bargain. Waltrip’s car, the #55, will again be sponsored by NAPA. MWR is also in an alliance with JTG Daugherty Racing to field the #47 Toyota for Marcos Ambrose that is fully sponsored.(SceneDaily)(1-16-2009), see am image of the scheme on my #00 Team Schemes page and the Aaron's 18 race sponsor schedule on my #00 Team News and Links page.(1-16-2009)
- Hallam ready for new life in USA with role at MWR: Steve Hallam, an engineer and manager the past 27 years in Formula One, is settling into his new office at Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and a new life in America after leaving his post as head of operations for team McLaren based in Woking, Surrey, United Kingdom. In September, it was announced that Hallam would be making the move to MWR to work in NASCAR leaving behind a rich history in Formula One. He has now assumed his new role as Director of Competition after moving around the globe to North Carolina to set up shop in the 140,000 sq. ft. factory. "It would have been easy to stay at McLaren until I retired," Hallam said. "But what attracted me to Michael Waltrip Racing was the opportunity to work with a young team and, in particular, to be part of the continued development and growth of the multi-car Cup operation as they strive to provide the best equipment and support for their teams. This is a great opportunity to join a closely knit team who are looking to build success by harnessing Toyota engines and technical support to build cars at a level where we can improve upon the tremendous foundation that has already been built."(MWR PR)(1-7-2009)
- Reutimann Presents Donations to Charities and Local Schools: David Reutimann, driver of the #00 Aarons Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series and the #99 Aarons Dream Machine in the Nationwide Series for Michael Waltrip Racing, hosted his Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Cook Out and Auction at Silverado Golf and Country Club the weekend after Thanksgiving in Zephyrhills, FL.
The festivities consisted of a cook out and sports memorabilia auction, followed by a golf tournament. In total the festivities raised around $78,000 for local Florida based charities. This past Friday David Reutimann received the opportunity to present to his affiliated charities, including All Children’s Hospital of Florida, Camp Boggy Creek, Zephyrhills Pregnancy Center and Kid’s Go to Camp. In addition, David donated $3,000 to six local Pasco county schools. “I’m blessed to be able to give back to so many. It’s rewarding to give back to my community and schools that I myself attended,” said David Reutimann.(PR)(12-18-2008)
- Childers new crew chief for Reutimann? UPDATE 2 Official: hearing former #19 GEM crew chief, Rodney Childers, will be Reutimann's crew chief in 2009.(11-26-2008)
UPDATE: Rodney Childers will leave Gillett Evernham Motorsports, where he was crew chief for #19-Elliott Sadler, to become #00-David Reutimann's crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing, according to sources familiar with the situation. An announcement should come later this week. Childers will replace Ryan Pemberton, who left MWR to become Brian Vickers' crew chief at Red Bull Racing.(SceneDaily)(12-2-2008)
UPDATE 2: Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Rodney Childers will become the crew chief for David Reutimann and his #00 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota team for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. "This is a great opportunity," said Childers, entering his fifth season as a crew chief on the Sprint Cup level. " When I heard the position was available, I looked into it because I really liked the idea of working with David. We have the same type of personality and as I see the progress MWR has made, I see it as a place where I could have a long future. Their relationship with Toyota also attracted me because it is easy to see their commitment to NASCAR. David really burst onto the scene this past year and has proven that he can do this. He is comfortable and feels like he's as good as anyone on the track and that's really important." The Mooresville, NC native has been involved in some form of racing since he was 12 years old whether it has been behind the wheel or atop a pit box. From 1999 to 2002, he raced in several series including the NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series, Hooters Pro Cup Series and in 2000, he made his first and only Nationwide Series start at Myrtle Beach Speedway [SC]. More recently, Childers served as a crew chief for the past three seasons with Gillett Evernham with #19-Elliott Sadler (2008) and [then] #10-Scott Riggs (2006-2007). Childers was Riggs' crew chief in 2005 with MB2 Motorsports. "I am looking forward to picking up with Rodney where Ryan (Pemberton) and I left off," Reutimann said. "The team built a lot of momentum during the latter part of the season. We've just got to build upon that. I feel like we have improved a great deal. If we can continue to position ourselves in the top-10, the top-fives will come and ultimately our first win."(MWR PR)(12-3-2008)
