Bowyer, Waltrip confirm they’re negotiating

Bowyer, Waltrip confirm they’re negotiating

By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

(September 16, 2011)

JOLIET, Ill.—Clint Bowyer and Michael Waltrip Racing acknowledged Friday they’re talking, but there’s no deal to announce yet, team owner Michael Waltrip said.

 “I can confirm we have had very productive conversations with Clint and a quality sponsor,” Waltrip said in a statement released by the team. “Today, however, we don’t have anything finalized and we’re not in a position to make any formal announcements. Our goal has never changed.

 “(Co-owner) Rob (Kauffman) and I want to continue to improve the competitiveness of our team and be a consistent winner at NASCAR’s highest level. Pursuing Chase-proven personnel, including drivers, has been a priority. As soon as we have more information to share, we will.”

 Bowyer is in the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, and Bowyer and owner Richard Childress have said it’s unlikely Bowyer would return to RCR. Bowyer has had discussions with several other Sprint Cup teams.

 The sponsor in question is 5-Hour Energy, which reportedly has agreed to back Bowyer for 15 to 20 races next year.

 Dave Moody reported Thursday on SiriusXM Satellite Radio that Bowyer was close to a deal with MWR, with an announcement expected within two days. According to the report, Bowyer would drive a third MWR car, with Martin Truex Jr. and David Reutimann as teammates.

 “That would be exciting and would be a place where I could continue to run up front and hopefully be part of the Chase again,” Bowyer told SceneDaily.com on Friday at Chicagoland Speedway.

 In six seasons in Cup racing, Bowyer has made the Chase three times but is 14th in points and out of NASCAR’s 10-race playoff this year. He has four Cup victories in 207 starts.