PHOENIX, Ariz. (November 14, 2009) – Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced today the extension of its partnership with Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The new agreement will keep the emerging organization with the manufacturer through the end of 2012.
MWR launched its full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams in 2007 during Toyota’s inaugural year in the premier series. With Toyota’s support, MWR has won three poles, the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 and competed for a berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship until the final regular-season event at Richmond International Raceway in September.
In 2010, MWR will field the No. 00 Aaron’s/Tums/Best Western Toyota Camry full-time with driver David Reutimann, the No. 55 Toyota Camry with Michael Waltrip on a limited basis and the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry full-time with Martin Truex Jr. Additionally, MWR signed a two-year technical alliance extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing to field the No. 47 Toyota Camry with driver Marcos Ambrose.
MWR receives engines from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) out of Costa Mesa, California, along with Red Bull Racing. TRD’s Salisbury, N.C., facility supports MWR’s vehicle dynamics and development, aerodynamics, tire data analysis and race strategy programs.
“Simply put, MWR would not exist without Toyota,” said co-owner Michael Waltrip. “Toyota put us on the map in 2007 and that’s why I was so proud to deliver TRD’s engine facility its first NASCAR Sprint Cup win. For MWR to know it has Toyota’s support through the 2012 season is phenomenal and delivers our organization what every team in the garage desires – stability.
“Michael Waltrip Racing was a part of Toyota’s “Freshman Class” and they have shown tremendous progress, as well as dedication to Toyota’s goal of winning the Manufacturer’s Championship,” said Lee White, President of TRD. “Michael has always been a tremendous spokesperson for Toyota and continues to impress all of us with the moves he is making to elevate MWR to a championship caliber organization.”
This announcement comes on the heels of MWR announcing 100% renewal with its existing sponsors, a new relationship with TUMS as a primary and associate sponsor on the No. 00, a two-year extension with JTG-Daugherty Racing and a new partnership with its NASCAR Nationwide Series team with Gary and Blake Bechtel forming Diamond-Waltrip Racing to field Camrys for 18-year-old phenom Trevor Bayne.
“We have come a long way in a short period of time,” Waltrip added. “We have a lot more work ahead of us, but we are truly blessed that, in these times, we have so many positive announcements for our partners and employees.”
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