BIG ONE #2 with 4 laps to go, AJ Allmendinger tried to block Denny Hamlin, wrecking Paul Mendard, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, Michael Waltrip, and others….but that’s Talladega!
1 55 Mark Martin Aaron’s Toyota 26.313 136.815
2 14 Tony Stewart Office Depot / Mobil 1 Chevrolet 26.446 136.126
3 78 Regan Smith Furniture Row / Farm American Chevrolet 26.471 135.998
4 48 Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s / Kobalt Tools Chevrolet 26.552 135.583
5 42 Juan Pablo Montoya Target Chevrolet 26.559 135.547
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6 39 Ryan Newman WIX Filters Chevrolet 26.570 135.491
7 16 Greg Biffle 3MWraps.com Ford 26.652 135.074
8 29 Kevin Harvick Rheem Chevrolet 26.664 135.014
9 20 Joey Logano The Home Depot Toyota 26.667 134.998
10 5 Kasey Kahne Farmers Insurance Chevrolet 26.712 134.771
11 31 Jeff Burton Wheaties Chevrolet 26.743 134.615
12 18 Kyle Busch M&M’s Brown Toyota 26.753 134.564
WALTRIP TO DRIVE NO. 40 AARON’S DREAM MACHINE TOYOTA
FOR HILLMAN RACING IN 2012 DAYTONA 500
CORNELIUS, N.C. – Hillman Racing and Aaron’s Inc. announced today that two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip will drive the No. 40 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the 2012 Daytona 500 on Feb. 26.
The race will mark Waltrip’s 75th start at Daytona in one of NASCAR’s top three touring series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World trucks) – the most of any driver.
“Aaron’s really does make your dreams come true,” said Waltrip. “When I was a kid thinking about racing in Daytona I never dreamed I would start more NASCAR races there than anyone. That’s amazing.”
He said it takes many factors for success.
“You have to have a great sponsor to race and Aaron’s has been a great sponsor for a long time.” Waltrip said. “I appreciate what the folks at Hillman Racing including Joe Falk are putting together. Hopefully my experience at Daytona will help them get out of the gate strong with their new team.”
WOUND TIGHT
NOT LIKE ME
MARTIN AND WALTRIP CAR NUMBER SWITCHES FROM 00 TO 55
Number Commemorates Aaron’s Founding in 1955
CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing announced today that Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip’s Toyota Camrys will carry the number 55 during the 2012 and 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series seasons.
The number commemorates Charlie Loudermilk’s founding of Aaron’s, Inc. in 1955.
Aaron’s, Inc., the nation’s leader in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, grew from 400 to more than 1,900 stores since its initial race sponsorship of MWR in 2000.
FORT WORTH, TEX. – Michael Waltrip Racing announced today it has hired Mark Martin to share in driving duties of the No. 00 Toyota and extended its 30-race sponsorship with Aaron’s, Inc. through the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
Martin will drive in 25 Sprint Cup events each of the next two seasons, sharing the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine with Michael Waltrip, who will drive five events with Aaron’s sponsorship. Martin will join Martin Truex Jr. and recently acquired Clint Bowyer in the MWR stable next season.
“Aaron’s has been a part of Michael Waltrip Racing for more than a decade and I’m proud that we will be racing together into the future,” said Waltrip, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing with Rob Kauffman. “This is a big day for our organization, announcing a sponsorship extension and adding a future first-ballot Hall of Famer like Mark Martin.
CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing today announced Clint Bowyer will drive the team’s No. 15 Toyota with 5-hour ENERGY as the primary sponsor for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons beginning at the 2012 Daytona 500.
The announcement ends months of speculation for the highly valued free agent.
“This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Bowyer.
“I am a big fan of 5-hour ENERGY so I was really happy when they approached me about putting a deal together. We were diligent in working through our options and finally found the right fit. I have been so impressed with what’s going on at MWR. Then when the 5-hour ENERGY executives met with Michael and his people, we knew this was going to be our home.
Michael Waltrip: “I can confirm we have had very productive conversations with Clint and a quality sponsor. 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. 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.”
NASCAR News Wire The Final Lap Podcast
