Auto racing notes: Clint Bowyer won’t reveal where he’s headed after MWR
If Clint Bowyer already has his future figured out, he wasn’t ready to reveal it Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.
The only thing that is certain is that Bowyer won’t follow Rob Kauffman to Chip Ganassi Racing. Kauffman is moving his investment from Michael Waltrip Racing to Ganassi, and MWR will cease operations at the end of the season.
Bowyer this week secured his release from Kauffman with two years remaining on his contract.
“What I am going to have in the future and what that future holds for me will be another announcement as soon as possible,” Bowyer said.
When asked if he wants a one-year contract for next season so he can pursue a ride for 2017 with a powerhouse team or if he wants a multiyear deal, Bowyer gave a thumbs-up.
“Yes,” he said with a grin. “Keep talking. Absolutely. Those are all systems go.”
In spurning a move to Ganassi with sponsor 5-Hour Energy, Bowyer likely tipped his hand that he’s looking for a placeholder seat next season. None of the high-profile seats are open for 2016 at this time, but something could come open for 2017.
Also, Kauffman explained his decision to close MWR boiled down to finances and results.
When the results weren’t matching the financial investment he was making on an annual basis, Kauffman – a co-owner – could no longer justify pouring money into the organization. He rescued Michael Waltrip from ruin during MWR’s rocky 2007 debut season.
Hamlin wins qualifying
Denny Hamlin set a track record in leading a Toyota sweep of the first two rows in qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Hamlin turned a lap at 131.407 mph to break the mark of 131.362 mph set last August by Kevin Harvick.
JGR teammate Kyle Busch qualified second and was followed by JGR driver Carl Edwards. David Ragan, from Michael Waltrip Racing, was fourth to give Toyota the top four starting spots for tonight’s Sprint Cup race.
Busch takes Xfinity
Kyle Busch got by leader Chris Buescher on an overtime restart and pulled away for his eighth career Xfinity Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The win Friday night was the 73rd series victory for Busch, who holds the record for most wins in NASCAR’s second-tier series. It also was Busch’s third win in six Xfinity Series starts this year.
Buescher was leading when the eighth caution of the race with five laps remaining set up a green-white-checkered finish. He bobbled on the restart as his Ford ran out of gas and Busch sailed by for the victory.
3.946 run at Brainerd
Jack Beckman had the third-quickest Funny Car run in NHRA history in the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Beckman, who also owns the top two quickest runs in the class, powered his Dodge Charger to a track-record 3.946 seconds at 324.75 mph in qualifying.