Mark Martin has been tabbed to replace David Reutimann in the No. 00 Toyota in 2012.
As first reported by FOXSports.com, the team announced Reutimann's ouster Thursday afternoon and is expected to unveil Martin at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday morning.
Sources told FOXSports.com that the 52-year-old veteran will run about 30 races next season, with team owner Michael Waltrip likely competing in the restrictor-plate portion of the schedule.
Martin drives the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports and is in the final year of his contract. Martin has 40 career Cup wins spanning three decades in NASCAR. He is 19th in the point standings.
Reutimann, 41, said via text that he was informed of the situation during a “brief conversation” Tuesday morning. He has two career Cup wins — the only victories for MWR — and is 28th in the point standings. Sources say a performance clause in the contract between sponsor Aaron's and MWR required Reutimann to finish in the top 25. Reutimann still has one year remaining on his contract.
On an unrelated team note, Scott Miller will begin his role as vice president of competition Wednesday. Because of the recent suspension of crew chiefs Chad Johnston and Rodney Childers until the end of the season, Miller will likely fill in for Johnston for the rest of season beginning this weekend at Texas.
