Michael Waltrip Racing

Toyota spokesman addresses MWR's uncertain NASCAR future

Published Jul. 31, 2015 9:58 a.m. ET

Tom Jensen

One day after Michael Waltrip Racing co-owner Rob Kauffman announced that he's buying a stake in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Toyota issued a statement about the situation.

"We've spoken with Rob Kauffman and understand he has agreed to buy an interest in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates," said Ed Laukes, vice president marketing, performance and guest experience for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. "Rob has not disclosed the plans for Michael Waltrip Racing past the 2015 racing season. Toyota and TRD remain focused on winning races and championships with our team partners this year."

In recent weeks, Toyota officials have said the automaker is interested in expanding the number of top-tier Toyota Sprint Cup teams.

"I'm always quality over quantity, but we're undersubscribed with quality Toyotas right now," David Wilson, the president and general manager of TRD, U.S.A., told FOXSports.com last month in an exclusive interview at Michigan International Speedway. "We've got our eyes open."

One of the teams Toyota is interested in is Denver-based Furniture Row Racing.

"We would love to have the 78 team," Wilson told FOXSports.com. "Who wouldn't really, the way they're running right now? ... If you asked me, 'Would I like to have Furniture Row in the Toyota stable?' Absolutely. Love to. Martin Truex Jr., we go back. That would be a great story."

Meanwhile, multiple sources have confirmed to FOXSports.com that the MWR shop in Cornelius, North Carolina, is for sale, with one potential buyer scheduled to look at the property on Friday.

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