Martin out of the #55 in 2014 - Nope not retiring

[dpkimmel2001]

Making room for Vickers?

Mark Martin won’t drive Michael Waltrip’s No. 55 in 2014

Mark Martin believes it’s too early to talk about what racecars he will drive in 2014.

But he does know what he likely won’t drive — the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 car that he currently plans to drive for 24 events this year.

“I don’t expect to be in it (in 2014),” Martin said Tuesday during the Sprint Media Tour. “That’s not my goal. My goal is to see … the 55 car race for the championship driver-wise.”

Team co-owner Michael Waltrip will drive three races in the car this season while Brian Vickers will have nine. Vickers has openly talked about possibly getting a full-time ride in 2014, and obviously the No. 55 would be a natural fit.

The rest here.

 

[Nitro Dude]

I just wan't to see MWR get a championship. Am I asking way to much out of this team?

 

[mike honcho]

I just wan't to see MWR get a championship. Am I asking way to much out of this team?

I think that's easier than seeing Mark Martin Retire.

 

[FenderBumper]

I just wan't to see MWR get a championship. Am I asking way to much out of this team?

I say they will get one in the next 3 years.

 

[Johali]

I say they will get one in the next 3 years.

Nah.

 

[ted@economy]

A ride is opening up for Bill?

 

[Magnethead]

I still think they screwed up pulling Reuti out.

 

[Charlie Spencer]

I think that's easier than seeing Mark Martin Retire.

Uh, we've SEEN Mark retire already, remember?

 

[robbybee]

I still think they screwed up pulling Reuti out.

David was never gonna win much for MWR. Replacing him was not a bad idea when looking toward the future.
The way it was handled, however, was quite inappropriate.

I just wan't to see MWR get a championship. Am I asking way to much out of this team?

Had it not been for the Gordon/Bowyer fued, it could have happened in 2012.

 

[ted@economy]

Just wondering if Vickers is set in stone. There have been big name driver movements this past year and maybe more by the end of this year . Might MWR listen to some other applications ? Also, I think that I heard Mark Martin saying that ,while he will be stepping aside from that ride in favor of a full time driver , he will not be retiring.

 

[FenderBumper]

The way I read it, if Vickers can get sponsorship, he gets the ride.

 

[ted@economy]

The way I read it, if Vickers can get sponsorship, he gets the ride.

I'm sure that is the plan , but if a Ryan Newman or a Carl Edwards or even a Jeff Burton (with sponsorship) came calling ?It sure would be interesting.

 

[FenderBumper]

I'm sure that is the plan , but if a Ryan Newman or a Carl Edwards or even a Jeff Burton (with sponsorship) came calling ?It sure would be interesting.

Oh, if one of those drivers showed up, Brian would be gone. He had 3 years at HMS and didn't accomplish much.

 

[Charlie Spencer]

Oh, if one of those drivers showed up, Brian would be gone. He had 3 years at HMS and didn't accomplish much.

I dunno. Brian would probably accept a smaller paycheck.

 

[robbybee]

I dunno. Brian would probably accept a smaller paycheck.

I can't imagine that Burton would get a max-contract. What has he achieved in the last 8 or so years?
Newman would probably get a bigger contract but he's not set the world on fire lately either.
But dollars and sponsorships being equal, Vickers would have to be the choice for MRW.
But we're still a full year away from any of this chit coming to matter - so let's discuss 2013!!

Hells Yeah!