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19th
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The fallout from the NASCAR race Richmond fiasco continues as NAPA, one of Michael Waltrip Racing's earliest and major sponsors, has announced that it's ending its contract prematurely at the end of this year.
The auto parts retailer made the announcement on its Facebook page.
“After thorough consideration, NAPA has made the difficult decision to end its sponsorship arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing effective December 31, 2013. NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR. We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports.”
MWR was singled out by NASCAR, for the manipulation of the outcome of the Richmond race. The sanctioning body imposed the heaviest penalties in NASCAR history in terms of points against the three MWR teams, indefinite suspension of competition director, Ty Norris, and fines against MWR. MWR driver Martin Truex, Jr., (whose Toyota wears NAPA livery) points penalty, knocked him out of the Chase.
“Michael Waltrip Racing respects the decision NAPA announced today following the events at Richmond. There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written. MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship and that remains our sole focus,” said the team in a written statement.
NAPA had sponsored Waltrip going back to his years with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated's race team in 2001.
The auto parts retailer made the announcement on its Facebook page.
“After thorough consideration, NAPA has made the difficult decision to end its sponsorship arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing effective December 31, 2013. NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR. We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports.”
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| Martin Truex Jr., Michael Waltrip Racing. (Photo: NASCAR) |
MWR was singled out by NASCAR, for the manipulation of the outcome of the Richmond race. The sanctioning body imposed the heaviest penalties in NASCAR history in terms of points against the three MWR teams, indefinite suspension of competition director, Ty Norris, and fines against MWR. MWR driver Martin Truex, Jr., (whose Toyota wears NAPA livery) points penalty, knocked him out of the Chase.
“Michael Waltrip Racing respects the decision NAPA announced today following the events at Richmond. There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written. MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship and that remains our sole focus,” said the team in a written statement.
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| Chad Johnston and Martin Truex Jr. wearing NAPA colors. (Photo: Michael Waltrip Racing) |
NAPA had sponsored Waltrip going back to his years with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated's race team in 2001.