NASCAR: Waltrip partner in Ganassi move

Michael Waltrip Racing co-owner Rob Kauffman is to purchase a stake in its NASCAR Sprint Cup rival Chip Ganassi Racing. Kauffman's move could pave the way for Ganassi to expand from its current two-car Cup squad to a third entry, while leaving question marks over MWR's program.

A statement from the Ganassi team – which is co-owned by Felix Sabates and Ganassi, and currently fields Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson – said the implications of Kauffman's move would become clear in due course.

"We confirm that Rob Kauffman has agreed to acquire an interest in the team," it said. "Further discussions regarding the 2016 season and beyond are under way."

An MWR statement said business would continue as usual to the end of the 2015 campaign.

"The companies will continue to operate separately and compete against each other for the remainder of the 2015 season," it said. "They are also currently evaluating ways to field the most competitive race teams possible to provide an excellent platform for their partners and employees for the 2016 season and beyond."

Michael Waltrip's squad enters Toyotas in the Cup series for Clint Bowyer and David Ragan. Both Ganassi and Waltrip are win-less so far this season, but each has one driver in the Chase at present – McMurray and Bowyer – by virtue of their points tallies.

Originally on Autosport.com