A source has confirmed that FitzBradshaw Racing is for sale. Co-owned by Armando Fitz and former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, the team has struggled on the track this year with rookies Joel Kauffman and Tracy Hines. Three drivers have shared the team’s #12 entry, with a best finish of 20th by David Reutimann at Daytona. The team’s other entry, which carries the #14, also has a best finish of 11th, by Carlos Contreras at Mexico. The team entered only one car at Darlington because of sponsorship issues.(SceneDaily.com/Article Removed from site)(5-17-2006)
UPDATE: Statement from Armando Fitz: “As a result of restructuring our organization from a 3-car team to a 2-car team, we are simply exploring our options of relocation. Therefore, our current building has been placed on the market as we look for a smaller facility. We are NOT selling our race team. FitzBradshaw Racing is committed to our Sponsors and personnel not only for the remainder of the season but for the future as well.”(FBR PR)(5-17-2006)
UPDATE 2: Bought by Waltrip?: Rumored that Michael Waltrip has purchased all assets of FitzBradshaw Racing and moving them to Jimmy Spencer’s old shop that he recently bought. Meanwhile, FitzBradshaw Racing has made an agreement with ppc Racing to lease the #12, sponsor Supercuts, and driver Joel Kauffman to them. FitzBradshaw racing will finish out the year with Tracy Hines and the #14 car and Family Dollar as sponsor.(6-1-2006)
UPDATE 3: DENIED ppc Racing has denied both aspects – that Waltrip bought FBR and that ppc will field an entry for Kauffman.(6-1-2006)
UPDATE 4: Have confirmed that Waltrip has moved into Spencer’s old shop [was Bang Racing’s shop] and also heard that Terry Bradshaw, part owner of Fitz-Bradshaw will part ways with the team at the end of the year.(6-3-2006)
UPDATE 5: Michael Waltrip Racing officials state the team is not severing its partnership with FitzBradshaw Racing, according to a news release distributed Saturday. Published reports questioned the continuation of that relationship, but team owner Waltrip said that is not true. “I think a lot of people got confused when we took the opportunity to move our Nextel Cup operation down the road to Jimmy Spencer’s old shop,” Waltrip said in the release. Waltrip added that his Busch Series program remains at the FitzBradshaw shop in Mooresville. He plans to remain with the group through the completion of this season, which was the original contract.(NASCAR Scene)(6-10-2006)
