The hot rumor at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday wasn’t swirling around the Sprint Cup garage. Instead, it involved NASCAR’s top independent Nationwide Series team Braun Racing, and the possible sale of the organization to Steve Turner. Todd Braun said any announcement was “premature,” but called Turner a “great guy who has a great passion for racing.” Braun, who currently fields the #10, #11, #32 and #38 Toyotas, is currently the largest independent Nationwide Series owner in NASCAR. However, in eight years of competition, his drivers have scored just four wins against fields that have been dominated by Cup-affiliated teams. With the exception of Jason Leffler’s 2007 win at what is now O’Reilly Raceway Park, Braun’s wins came with Cup Series regulars Jamie McMurray, Dave Blaney and Kyle Busch. “This is a changing sport, and you have to stay on top of the changes,” Braun said. “We’re always looking for opportunities that can make Braun Racing better. Sure, we’re exploring all opportunities.” Braun said his lineup for 2011 “is about half-done.” Braun has an option on Reed Sorenson that he has not exercised yet, and “no decision” has been made on Jason Leffler. A sale or even a partnership with a new owner could change the complexion of the organization, but Braun is also waiting to see how NASCAR alters its game plan moving forward. Turner owns Turner Motorsports, which fields teams for Ricky Carmichael and James Buescher in the Camping World Truck Series. Carmichael and Buescher are currently 12th and 13th, respectively, in the standings. Although there was talk earlier this season that Turner was interested in buying Phoenix Racing, a move to the Nationwide Series would be the next logical move considering this is the organization’s first full season of trucks.(Fox Sports)(9-4-2010)
