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Let's play musical Camrys

Toyota is looking to expand but will Michael Waltrip Racing be part of the picture?

Martin Truex Jr., Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet

Martin Truex Jr., Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet

Action Sports Photography

Robert Kauffman and Michael Waltrip
Robert Kauffman and Clint Bowyer
Chip Ganassi
Championship contenders press conference: team owner Richard Childress
Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Martin Truex Jr., Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet
David Ragan, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
David Ragan, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota and Clint Bowyer, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
David Ragan, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota
Robert Kauffman and Brian Vickers

Expanding, shrinking or standing pat?

In other words, what in the world will Toyota Racing’s Sprint Cup program look like next year?

One persistent, hot rumor features a manufacturer swap of sorts, with Rob Kauffman, currently the principal owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, taking his racing interests and partnering with a Chevy team. Furniture Row Racing is currently eyeing the Toyota camp with an ardor that has progressed well beyond flirtation. 

Kauffman looking around

Two potential partnerships mentioned for Kauffman are Chip Ganassi Racing and Richard Childress Racing. Ganassi absorbed Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Martin Truex Jr. into the fold back in 2009. With no fanfare whatsoever, Ganassi finally dropped the Earnhardt name after the 2013 season.

RCR expressed interest in acquiring a minority partner after Chartwell Investments expressed a desire to sell its stake in the company in 2012. In February of this year, RCR put out a release saying it “has advised its employees, drivers and key sponsors that RCR’s minority partner, Chartwell Investments and the Company have hired Houlihan Lokey to assist in exploring strategic alternatives for the sale of its equity position in the Company.”

I think it would be a challenge to try and figure something out--but I would never say never.

Rob Kauffman on Brian Vickers' future with MWR

Kauffman did not offer a definitive reply when asked about a possible realignment.

“We’ve been a Toyota team from the get go and we’re totally focussed on hopefully getting both cars in the Chase,” Kauffman told Motorsport.com. “That’s what it’s all about. Next year will come up next year.”

Furniture Row's 2016 manufacturer yet to be determined

Furniture Row’s Barney Visser has been more forthcoming. The Denver, Colorado-based team owner hopes to make a manufacturer decision in the next few weeks to accommodate a possible restructuring with Toyota for next year. 

Although FRR currently receives no financial support from Chevrolet, the team’s move could open the door for Kauffman to enter into a technical alliance with RCR, with whom the No. 78 currently shares data. However, sources told Motorsport.com that Ganassi appears to be the frontrunner for Kauffman's capital at this time. 

MWR happy with Ragan

Michael Waltrip Racing's driver lineup likely hinges on Aaron’s continued support with the No. 55 team. Both Kauffman and Clint Bowyer, who is in the first year of a three-year contract, are high on driver David Ragan. Bowyer told Motorsport.com on Saturday he’s “a lot happier” under the new arrangement. 

“It’s nice to have a teammate again,” Bowyer said. “David has done a real good job in the 55. They qualify good. We work together like you’re supposed to — and help build a better package.” 

Aaron’s has been a sponsor of Michael Waltrip’s since 2000 but has yet to renew with MWR. A decision on the company’s involvement could come in the next six to eight weeks.

“Aaron’s has been in the sport for a long time with MWR and I think they’re very happy being in NASCAR,” Kauffman said. “We’ve had good discussions about what makes the most sense for them, but they’re very pleased being in NASCAR and would like to remain so.”

Where does Vickers go?

Last week Brian Vickers expressed interest in returning to racing. After missing portions of four different seasons since he was diagnosed with blood clots in 2010, Vickers, 31, appeared ready to come back to full-time competition earlier this season. He lasted just two races — Las Vegas and Phoenix — before he was forced to resume using blood thinners.

Given the unpredictability of Vickers situation, Kauffman isn’t sure whether they could accommodate the driver.

“I consider Brian a good friend, and certainly he raced hard for us,” Kauffman said. “We raced sports cars together. But the most important thing right now is his health. I haven’t really had a conversation with him regarding coming back to racing and the like. It's a big medical issue that I haven't been involved with up until now.

“He loves racing, so I’m sure he does (want to return), but I think it would be a challenge to try and figure something out--but I would never say never.”

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