Michael Waltrip Racing mulling owner points swap
BRISTOL, Tenn. – If needed, Michael Waltrip Racing could swap its owner points to ensure that drivers David Reutimann and Michael Waltrip are locked into the top 35 beginning at Martinsville.
With MWR set to have different drivers in two of its cars after Dale Jarrett’s final points race on Sunday, rookie driver Michael McDowell said he’ll likely inherit the owner points of the car that is outside the top 35, if necessary.
All three MWR cars are currently in the top 35, but McDowell knows it makes little sense to have the unsponsored No. 00 locked into the field with David Reutimann and the No. 44 UPS car or Michael Waltrip and the No. 55 Napa car on the outside.
“We’re just going to keep our fingers crossed that all three cars are in the top 35,” McDowell said.
“I do know that if one of the cars is out, more than likely that’s going to be the points that I’m going to get starting out.”
McDowell said the change would have less to do with the drivers themselves and more to do with the sponsor situation.
“It’s more that we have great partners with UPS or Napa, and the most important thing is making sure those cars are in the race,” he said.
“The 00 right now, when I move into it, is not fully funded. Therefore, the UPS and Napa cars will take priority over that 00.”
As for finding a sponsor, McDowell said the only thing he can do is get the best finishes possible once he debuts at Martinsville.
“We all know that this is a performance-related business and the only thing that’s going to sell sponsorship for us is going out there and providing results,” he said.
Aaron’s has sponsored the No. 00 and Reutimann through the first five races.
