Remember this rumor? Morgan-McClure 2nd Team? Hey, a wild one – hear that a second Morgan-McClure team effort is may still happen in 1999. The sponsor rumored is Microsoft. No word on a driver yet.(11-18-98) — UPDATE 1: Hearing the 2nd Morgan-McClure team is close to fruition and we may hear something next week — UPDATE 2: during an interview with Larry McClure by WC Today Radio, McClure said they would run a 2nd team on a limited basis only if a sponsor is found and only for 5-6 races on 1999 with an eye towards 2000 with a full-time schedule(12-22-98) — UPDATE 3: I hear the team will attempt the Daytona 500 with an yet unnamed driver and possibly up to 15 1999 starts(12-29-98) — UPDATE 4: The Microsoft rumor have proven to be false and they will not be the sponsor of the 2nd team, if it happens(12-31-98) — UPDATE 5: Larry McClure is ready to launch that long-awaited second Winston Cup team. He’s got three drivers under consideration and plans to make a decision by July 1. The sponsor? Possibly computer software giant Microsoft( PitNow ) — UPDATE 6: When asked during Tuesday’s NOL chat about a possible teammate, Bobby Hamilton, driver of the #4 Kodak Morgan-McClure Chevy said – “It’ll definitely help and we’re definitely looking in that direction. Larry McClure and myself are looking, and he’s asked me to start looking for drivers…..and at the end of the year we’ll be able to make a decision on it.”(in part from NOL chat) BUT on NASCAR Today Radio(MRN) a team spokesperson said there would be no second team this season, so go figure. Also during the NOL chat Hamilton also mentioned a possible different paint scheme at one of the night races and that the Advantix deal was a one race deal only — UPDATE 7: From Sparky Plug at iRACE/SpeedVision – Owner Larry McClure said their shop can hold a 2nd team and with the proper sponsorship the 2nd team will run five races in 1999 to prepare for a full schedule in 2000. McClure was rumored to be in negotiations with Microsoft, but denied that allegation. He did say that he has secured a crew chief who is currently working in the Cup garage and has until July 1 to decide on a driver. Matt Kenseth was considered for the ride, but turned it down to concentrate on the Roush/Martin Cup deal
