Statement from Michael Waltrip on NAPA's decision to leave MWR

   STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL WALTRIP:

   “NAPA has been with me from winning two Daytona 500s, to missing races with a new start- up team, and back to victory lane again. The relationship grew far past that of just a sponsor, but more of a partner and a friend. We will not be racing a NAPA car in 2014, but I have friendships that will last a lifetime.

   “To the fans and those who made their voice heard through social media, as the owner, I am responsible for all actions of MWR. I sincerely apologize for the role our team played and for the lines NASCAR has ruled were crossed by our actions at Richmond. NASCAR met with the competitors in Chicago and we all know how we are expected to race forward.”

 

Scandal fallout: NAPA to leave MWR at end of year

 

   NAPA posted the following statement on its Facebook page on Thursday morning:
 
   "Dear Facebook Fans and the NAPA Community:

   After thorough consideration, NAPA has made the difficult decision to end its sponsorship arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing effective December 31, 2013. NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR. We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports."

   Following the penalties assessed by NASCAR to Michael Waltrip Racing for a team orders scandal in the Sept. 7 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond, Va., NAPA had indicated it was going to conduct an internal review of its relationship with MWR.

   MWR issued the following statement on Thursday:

   “Michael Waltrip Racing respects the decision NAPA announced today following the events at Richmond. There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written. MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship and that remains our sole focus.”