NNS: Bayne Released From Diamond-Waltrip Racing

Nationwide

NNS: Bayne Released From Diamond-Waltrip Racing

Martin Truex Jr. and younger brother Ryan Truex will share time in the Nationwide Series entry previously occupied by Trevor Bayne...

Bob Pockrass | http://www.scenedaily.com | Posted September 29, 2010 Charlotte, NC

Trevor Bayne will suit up for Roush Fenway Racing in 2011. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Martin Truex Jr. and younger brother Ryan Truex will split time in place of Trevor Bayne in the No. 99 Diamond-Waltrip Racing car the rest of the Nationwide Series season, the team announced Tuesday.

The brothers also will get one race where they will compete against each other – this weekend at Kansas Speedway as Martin Truex Jr. will drive the No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing car while Ryan will drive the No. 99 car.

The brothers have never competed against each other. That was made possible when the team parted ways with Bayne, who is seventh in the Nationwide standings.

Bayne said Saturday that he was looking for a full-time ride for 2011.

“The root of the issue regarding Trevor and his future with DWR is simply economics,” said DWR majority owner Gary Bechtel in a statement. “DWR held an option on Trevor’s contract, but without appropriate funding, we could not match the provisions of that contract extension by guaranteeing him a full-time ride in the No. 99 car next year. We could not commit to the demands of the agreement.

“We all wanted to work towards a positive solution, but time was not on our side. We had to make a business decision and Trevor had to make a business decision. We owe it to our race team, sponsors and everyone personally invested in this organization to move forward with those who will be with us in 2011 and beyond.”

Ryan Truex (Pictured) will continue to race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The team is looking for sponsorship for Ryan Truex, who has won the K&N Pro Series East Series title the last two years. Ryan Truex will drive the No. 99 car in the Nationwide races at Kansas, Charlotte, Gateway, Phoenix and Homestead. Martin Truex Jr. will drive the No. 99 at Auto Club Speedway and Texas.

Ryan is the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr., the 2004 and 2005 Nationwide Series champion. After four seasons running Cup for Dale Earnhardt Inc., Truex Jr. is in his first season driving for MWR.

“This is pretty cool – I always hoped this day would come but I didn’t have any idea it would come this year,” Truex Jr. said about racing against his brother. “We raced a lot on the computer and he’ll claim he beat me, but we’ll see what happens Saturday. I’m real proud of him. He’s had a good season winning the East championship for a second time.”

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