Multi-Year Agreement Puts Top Free Agent in No. 15 Toyota
CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing today announced Clint Bowyer will drive the team’s No. 15 Toyota with 5-hour ENERGY as the primary sponsor for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons beginning at the 2012 Daytona 500.
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[/media-credit]The announcement ends months of speculation for the highly valued free agent.
“This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Bowyer.
“I am a big fan of 5-hour ENERGY so I was really happy when they approached me about putting a deal together. We were diligent in working through our options and finally found the right fit. I have been so impressed with what’s going on at MWR. Then when the 5-hour ENERGY executives met with Michael and his people, we knew this was going to be our home.
“I’ve been with one organization for my entire Sprint Cup career and leaving there was the hardest part of the decision. But now I’m ready to start the next chapter in my racing career.”
Bowyer, 32, is a six-year veteran with four victories, two pole positions, 30 top-five finishes and 90 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. MWR is finishing its fifth season competing in the Sprint Cup series and has scored two wins.
“This is a watershed moment for our young organization,” said Michael Waltrip, who co-owns MWR with Rob Kauffman. “Clint is a proven winner and consistent Chase participant. He had a lot of options and it makes me proud that Clint and 5-hour ENERGY chose to race with us.
“This announcement continues to show our partner Toyota, our sponsors, our employees and the entire NASCAR community that MWR is serious about success and dedicated to winning.”
Bowyer, of Emporia Kan., unveiled the No. 15 Toyota in front of his home state fans at Kansas Speedway on Friday.
“Michael Waltrip Racing is a growing team that is hiring a lot of the right people and on the brink of breaking out. I know I’m joining it at the right time,” he said.
Waltrip welcomed 5-hour ENERGY to the MWR partner family that includes primary sponsors NAPA AUTO PARTS, Aaron’s and Toyota.
“It is an exciting time in our company as we make the transition into the Sprint Cup series”, said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour ENERGY. “The chance to add a top notch driver and an avid 5-Hour ENERGY consumer like Clint Bowyer was one we felt like we could not pass up.
“As we both looked at options it became clear that MWR provided us the best opportunity to win races and continue to grow the 5-hour ENERGY brand. Michael, Rob and the whole team understand the importance of helping our company reach our marketing objectives. We are excited to be working with them, and we can’t wait to see Clint and the 5-hour ENERGY Toyota in victory lane.”
