Sirius XM NASCAR Radio’s
Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that David Reutimann will not return to the #00 Toyota at Michael Waltrip Racing next season, and could be replaced on at least a part-time basis by veteran Mark Martin.
Sources close to the team say Reutimann was informed by team owner Michael Waltrip today that he will not be retained after a 2011 season that has produced just one Top-5 and two Top-10 finishes. The highlight of his season came when he won the pole at Richmond in early September, and he currently stands 25th in championship points. Reutimann is attending the SEMA show in Las Vegas today, and was unavailable for comment.
Both the
Charlotte Observer and Associated Press are reporting that Martin will replace Reutimann in the #00 Toyota for at least a limited schedule of races next season, but Martin’s business manager, Benny Ertel, told
Sirius Speedway that Martin has no signed deals in place for next year; with MWR or anyone else. “We’ve had conversations with probably 15 teams,” said Ertel. “We’re working very, very hard to find something for next year, but we do not have a done deal with anyone at present. We’re talking to a lot of people, we’ve had conversations with half the garage, in all three divisions.” He conceded that MWR is one of the operations with whom Martin has spoken.
“Stewart Haas has a press conference at noon today,” said Ertel. “Michael Waltrip has one Friday in Texas. We’d love to be part of either of those announcements, but at this moment, we do not have a done deal.”
He said he is optimistic that Martin will find a new ride for 2012, joking, “I’m just happy I won’t be back bartending next year.”
There is no word on whether Reutimann will finish the season with MWR.
It's not like we didn't see this coming.
ReplyDeleteThat is sad "but that is raceing in todays world.
ReplyDeleteI knew that this was going to happen. If you are not winning you are not in a ride long.
Hes the only driver thats won for mwr, considering mwr is at best a 3rd rate team, they now have 2 pretty good drivers in david and martin truex and can't get the job done, I'm guessing maybe they should look at something besides drivers as the problem. Probably paid clint way more then he is worth and had to drop someone. Cant fire only one of 2 drivers for non performance when none of the 3 drivers already using mwr equipment haven't done worth a damn. To bad there isn't a decent ride with good sponsorship for david to move into and then drive past mwr cars laughing all the way to the bank.
ReplyDeleteif only mikey could find a driver as good as himself.
ReplyDeleteMark Martin, go home to Arkansas and rock in that retirement rocking chair you were given and don't come back.
ReplyDeleteDavid, sure hope it all works out for you and for the better. Not seeing you in Buzzie's number will be hard to take.
I guess that "the franchise" moniker doesn't last forever.
ReplyDeleteMikey took 16 years to win and only 4 wins since 85 thin he would be a little more understanding ..posted by Homebrew
ReplyDeletemark couldn't do anything in hendrick equipment this year he's got no chance in mwr stuff
ReplyDeleteCarol from South Jersey-
ReplyDeleteHow about you stay in Jersey and never post a comment on here again. Seriously going to call Mark out like that? Sure it's been a less than stellar year, but if you don't enjoy Mark Martin's racing then go back to partying with Snookie.
There is something called freedom of speech, isn't there Brando in Wa. Partying with Snookie, you've got to be kidding. Obviously you think everyone from Jersey is like the tv show. WRONG If I had a daughter like her, well it wouldn't happen. Besides, most from that show, aren't even from Jersey, Staten Island, NY is where many of them are from, not Jersey.
ReplyDeleteMark did extremely well this year with what he was given. Don't forget he did better than Dale Jr. did last year in the same equipment and with the same team.
ReplyDeleteThe change might do the both of them good.
now hearing MWR is going to use the #55 for Michael and Mark so Reuti may (if he can get a ride) be able to use the #00. I pray he gets a ride that does outrun Truex and Bowyer
ReplyDelete@Race_Girl24_7