Michael Waltrip will hold a media availability at 8:00am/et Friday in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage in New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Thursday afternoon, Michael Waltrip Racings other primary sponsors issued the following statements: 5-Hour Energy : ‘Living Essentials, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY shots, is still evaluating its ongoing participation in NASCAR. A decision is not expected until the 2013 racing season is over.” Aarons : ‘Aarons would like to thank NASCAR fans for their continued loyalty during this time of uncertainty. We became a sponsor of MWR 14 years ago and remain dedicated to MWR, to NASCAR and to the fans.”(9-20-2013) UPDATE: Some notes from the press conference, as posted to Twitter by various media members in attendance: “¢ Michael Waltrip says he cant say he wasnt ‘overly surprised” by NAPAs decision. “¢ NAPA wasnt thrilled about the way things were handled ‘but we put them in this position” says Waltrip “¢ Waltrip says there was ‘no master plan to manipulate the race” “¢ He still insists that #15-Clint Bowyer did not spin on purpose at Richmond “¢ Waltrip expects Michael Waltrip Racing will remain 3 cars in 2014 “¢ The teams focus is now on finding a sponsor for #56-Martin Truex, Jr. “¢ He says its possible that RK Motors – Rob Kauffmans muscle car company – could sponsor the #56 next season “¢ ‘Theres a lot of concern’ says Waltrip. Says hes been ‘concerned and worried about the future”. Will work to regain trust. “¢ Michael Waltrip: ‘Yes I was scared and uncertain of our future. After speaking to all our partners, theyre going to stick with us.” “¢ Michael Waltrip has talked to Martin Truex Jr. and asked for patience but says team wont stand in Truexs way if he wants to exit. “¢ Waltrip expects 5-Hour Energy will stay.
