All News Bobby Labonte

#47 team expected to remain with MWR and Toyota:

October 6, 2011 at 12:00 AM

  • JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody today that his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team [#47 Toyota] will likely maintain its current alliances with Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota in 2012. “We are looking at a number of different options that will enable us to continue to share notes and technical support with Michael Waltrip,” he said, adding that the partnership “has definitely helped us be a better team. As it looks today, we are going to assert some independence. But we continue to work every week with Michael to figure out what (the relationship) is going to look like.”
    Geshickter confirmed that JTG Daugherty will no longer operate out of the MWR shops in Cornelius, NC, in 2012, instead moving back to their its own facility in Harrisburg.
    Geschickter also confirmed that while not complete, talks designed to return JTG Daugherty to the Toyota camp in 2012 are close to bearing fruit. Geschickter said an official announcement of next year’s manufacturer and driver lineup will likely come at Talladega in two weeks, but said he expects Bobby Labonte to return to the #47 next season. “Bobby and I shook hands, which is all we’ve ever needed to do,” he said. “Short of signing a contract, we’re feeling pretty good about getting that done.” Geschickter also revealed plans to expand the team in the foreseeable future, saying, “We’re definitely looking to become a multi-car team in 2013.”(Sirius Speedway)(10-6-2011)