on Speed Channel’s early NASCAR LIVE before coverage of Chicago Happy Hour practice, it was reported by Bob Dilner, that the owner of Ginn Resorts [that would be Edward R. “Bobby” Ginn] has bought into MB2 Motorsports, owned by Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye. Ginn Resorts has also been the primary sponsor on the #14 MB2 Motorsports Chevy that Sterling Marlin drives. #01-Joe Nemechek is the team’s other driver.(7-8-2006)
UPDATE: been told that that the owner of Ginn Resorts has bought out MB2 Motorsports majority owner, Nelson Bowers 80% stake in the team. Expect a formal announcement at Indy during the week of the Brickyard 400. Also looks like the DEI deal rumored a few weeks ago will not happen.(7-20-2006)
UPDATE 2: MB2 Motorsports to Make Major Announcement Regarding Ownership of Team on Wednesday, July 26th involving the MB2 New Team Owner, Jay Frye, MB2 CEO/GM, #01-Joe Nemechek, MB2 driver and #14-Sterling Marlin, MB2 driver.(7-26-2006)
MORE: The sale of MB2 Motorsports to real estate and resort developer Bobby Ginn should shore up the Nextel Cup team’s short- and long-term future. The deal, which will be announced Wednesday at a news conference at a Ginn Clubs & Resorts property in Orlando, will include a 10-race primary sponsorship this year for Sterling Marlin’s #14 Chevrolet, solidifying a car that had lacked full-season funding. “We needed to have a strong identity, something to differentiate ourselves vs. other teams,” MB2 general manager Jay Frye said. “This is a huge opportunity to do that. Financially, it puts us in a different posture than what we’ve been. We have an opportunity to expand, and we’re much better positioned for the future.” Before Ginn’s purchase of the team, Frye was considering a merger with Dale Earnhardt Inc. Frye said that option is off the table now that it seems MB2 has the potential for eventually keeping pace with title-caliber powerhouses such as Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Racing.(USA Today)
UPDATE 3: MB2 Motorsports, which fields NASCAR Nextel Cup entries for drivers #01-Joe Nemechek and #14-Sterling Marlin, has announced a change of ownership. Real estate developer Bobby Ginn (pronounced GHIN) has purchased all of the shares owned by MB2 majority owner and founding partner Nelson Bowers. The business transaction takes effect immediately. Jay Frye, MB2’s general manager and chief executive officer since the formation of the racing organization in 1996, will continue in the same capacity and retain his ownership in the company. Ginn’s majority interest and Frye’s interest comprise 100% ownership of MB2 Motorsports. Ginn, 57, is president and founder of the Celebration, Fla.-based Ginn Resorts, a privately held resort development and management firm, specializing in exclusive leisure lifestyle and vacation destination communities in the United States. “We recognize the importance and relevance of NASCAR fans and sponsors to the overall success of our brand,” said Ginn, a native of Hampton, S.C. “MB2 has outstanding partners in the U.S. Army, Waste Management, CENTRIX Financial, Wiley X Eyewear, Ginn Resorts and Mighty Auto Parts. Also announced today is that Ginn Resorts, which has been an MB2 primary sponsor at selected Cup events in 2006, has added 10 races to its primary-sponsorship package on Marlin’s #14 Chevrolet. The sponsorship will be managed through Ginn Sports Entertainment. Regarding the sale of his shares in MB2, Bowers said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed all facets of being a NASCAR team owner for the past 10 years. It’s been a memorable and fascinating ride and I wish Bobby, Jay and the entire MB2 organization nothing but success.” Along with its Nextel Cup teams, MB2 has a driver development program in place with Kraig Kinser in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Jesus Hernandez in the Drive for Diversity program. The MB2 team shop is based in Mooresville, N.C.(MB2 Motorsport PR, click here to listen to the teleconference at )(7-26-2006)
