DOVER, Del. – Michael Waltrip Racing got a bit of good news on Friday after weeks of controversy stemming from the Sept. 7 race at Richmond where they attempted to get driver Martin Truex Jr. into the Chase.
In a released statement 5-hour ENERGY announced they would return in 2014 to continue to sponsor Clint Bowyer. It was Bowyer who spun off turn four with seven laps to go, changing the complexion of the race, which allowed Truex Jr. to take the final wild card spot. Bowyer has never publicly admitted that he intentionally spun.
“This week the 5-hour ENERGY team met after the New Hampshire race to discuss our future with Michael Waltrip Racing. While our original plan was to announce the status of our sponsorship at the end of the year, this timeframe left many concerned about their future,” the statement said.
“There are scores of passionate fans, numerous charitable organizations, and hundreds of hard-working MWR employees and their families who are directly impacted by 5-hour ENERGY’s NASCAR sponsorship.”
It was last weekend in New Hampshire that the president of the company, Scott Henderson, said they were going to wait until the season was over until committing to MWR. He also seemed to question NASCAR’s integrity, specifically Brain France, who in essence did what he wanted in adding a 13th driver to the Chase.
“After several internal discussions and meetings with MWR, we are prepared to announce our decision ahead of schedule,” the statement continued. “5-hour ENERGY will be back as a sponsor of MWR and Clint Bowyer for 2014. We look forward to another great year of competitive racing. Go 15!”
Bowyer sits 10th in points entering the weekend, he has yet to win a race this season. Truex is not a part of the Chase field following NASCAR penalties that deducted he and the other two MWR drivers 50 owner / driver points. The organization was also fine $300,000 and general manager Ty Norris has been indefinitely suspended.
Truex’s future is also up in the air. NAPA announced late last week that they would not return to MWR following this season while Bowyer and 5-hour ENERGY will embark on their third season together.
