Trevor Bayne to run full Nationwide slate in 2010 for Diamond-Waltrip Racing
Trevor Bayne will compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010 for Diamond-Waltrip Racing.
// David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
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AVONDALE, Ariz. – Trevor Bayne will drive full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next year, officials from the newly formed Diamond-Waltrip Racing announced Saturday.
Bayne, who drove a partial schedule for Michael Waltrip Racing this season, will continue with the No. 99 car. The team has been sold off to Gary Bechtel but will be operated out of MWR in a partnership that seems similar to MWR's agreement with JTG Daugherty Racing.
MWR will retain Bayne's rights in hopes of bringing him to Sprint Cup racing, beginning with at least seven races in 2011 with "an eye on full-time Sprint Cup competition by 2012," a statement said.
"This is what I have worked my entire life for," Bayne said. "I have been dreaming of this moment since I began racing go karts."
Bayne has run 14 races this season and has six top-10 finishes. He began his career as a development driver for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and was fourth in the NASCAR Camping World East Series last year.
Bechtel previously owned Diamond Ridge Racing, which debuted in 1990 in the Cup series. Diamond Ridge also competed in the series then known as the Busch Series beginning in 1995, scoring 10 victories in five years before Bechtel sold the operation to Joe Gibbs Racing.
After a decade away from the sport, he partnered with Tommy Baldwin Racing earlier this season. Waltrip sold a majority interest of his Nationwide team to Bechtel, forming Diamond-Waltrip Racing.
The No. 99 team has "limited sponsorship from Aaron's" for 2010.
"We are extremely excited to have Trevor behind the wheel of the No. 99 Toyota," Bechtel said. "Even though the No. 99 team is not fully sponsored, we are committed to running Trevor in the entire season so he can compete for the championship."
