Michael Waltrip Racing has officially confirmed that David Reutimann's time with the team is done as of the end of the 2011 season.
"David has been a significant part of Michael Waltrip Racing since the very beginning and will forever be a part of our heritage," Michael Waltrip said in a statement.� "We want to thank David for his contribution to our growth and success over the past five years and wish him well in the future."
This gives fuel to the reports earlier in the week that Mark Martin would be coming on board MWR as a part-time driver, with much of Reutimann's sponsorship money potentially going to Clint Bowyer.
Shortly after the news broke, Waltrip took to Twitter and issued the following tweet:
Either Waltrip is lying through his teeth, or this is a straight business move, which seems far more likely. Reutimann is 41 and has a career record of two wins, 12 top 5s and 25 top 10s in 168 career starts, all for MWR. He's almost certainly reached his ceiling as a driver, but will he get another chance in high-quality Cup ride? Suddenly the unemployment line is making for a decent little Sprint Cup team all by itself.
UPDATE: Mark Martin will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012 and 2013. Martin's schedule will be for 25 races in each season. He will make his MWR debut in the 2012 Daytona 500.
JeanPierre Beltoise Olivier Beretta Allen Berg Georges Berger
