NASCAR Bits and Pieces: MWR Reorganizing for 2014

Monday, October 14, 2013

MWR Reorganizing for 2014

On the heels of an exciting (not for good reasons) 2013 season and the news that Brian Vickers is out of the car for the rest of this year, Michael Waltrip Racing has announced it is reorganizing and cutting back to two cars.

(I presume, that's if they have the sponsorship for two cars.)

What's interesting is that in the announcement, it's made clear that Martin Truex Jr. and crew chief Chad Johnson have been told they are free to look at other teams for the 2014 season.

The announcement also claims they have strong support from some sponsors.

Again, wondering if anyone is looking to back away from the team that has made questionable tactics a fashion statement of sorts?

press release below:

Michael Waltrip Racing announced today its reorganization for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, highlighted by two full-time championship contending teams, a third entry which will run a limited schedule and a strengthened research and development group.

MWR will field the No. 55 Aaron’s Toyota and the No. 15 5-hour ENERGY/PEAK Toyota in its pursuit of the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. To enhance performance for its two full-time teams, MWR has bolstered its R&D effort and will run a third car in select races, including Michael Waltrip in the 2014 Daytona 500.

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota and his crew chief, Chad Johnston, each have been notified they are free to negotiate with other teams. Scott Miller, the team’s executive vice president of competition, will continue his role as crew chief of the No. 55 team into the 2014 season.

“Our goals for the reorganization were twofold, firstly to improve the competitiveness of our race teams and, secondly maintain a stable organizational structure,” said co-owner Rob Kauffman. “The team’s focus has been to find that last one percent needed to move from Chase participant to Cup champion. This realignment will get us closer to that last one percent.”

The reorganization enabled MWR to retain more than 85 percent of its current workforce. Those whose positions were affected by the moves were notified Monday morning.

“Today was about doing what we had to do not what we wanted to do,” Kauffman added. “It was important to let those whose jobs were affected know as early as possible, and a majority of those will remain with MWR through the end of the season.”

“We have very strong support from Toyota, Toyota Racing Development, 5-hour ENERGY, PEAK, Aaron’s, AAA Mid-Atlantic and other partners who enable us to compete at the highest level,” said MWR founder and co-owner Michael Waltrip. “We are confident that with two teams and a very active test team, our competiveness will take a step forward. We will also continue to do a great job for our partners off the track, which has always been a cultural staple for our organization.

“Rob and I deeply appreciate everyone who has helped build MWR into a race winning team and we are dedicated to continuing our pursuit of excellence on and off the track.”