The Future of Dodge – Teams in NASCAR?

Michael Waltrip Racing (again)

At the end of 2015, the Cup Series lost two of its full-time competitors after Michael Waltrip Racing closed its doors. Since then, the man who owned fifty percent of the organization, Rob Kauffman, has moved on to Chip Ganassi Racing. The other half, the namesake of the organization, is still doing television, and racing on occasion. But could he be back in his own equipment soon?

Let’s face it, Michael Waltrip cannot race forever. Whether he thinks so or not, his days of part-time racing in the Cup Series are numbered. But what will one of the more likable faces in the garage do after he hangs up his helmet for good? His role with Fox Sports isn’t large enough to keep him going all year, meaning a return to car ownership is possible.

Back when Waltrip’s team began in 2002, his team had a part-time Chevrolet. Then by 2005, they switched to Dodge and added a full-time entry. However, their time with the horns wasn’t long as MWR moved to Toyota for 2007, and stayed with them until the end.

If Michael Waltrip Racing were to be revived, it would certainly boost the car counts in Cup. Furthermore, it would be hard for Toyota to justify adding up to two more customers to their long list of clients, meaning someone else may have to open their doors to them. Dodge could accomplish that, while also bringing in a big name to their return to the sport.