For the first time since the Chase for the Sprint Cup format was introduced in 2004, there’s a distinct possibility that there might be different players in the drivers’ and owners’ championships.
With Brian Vickers’ win at Loudon, the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota–driven by Mark Martin, team owner Michael Waltrip and Vickers this year–moved into the second provisional wild card spot for the owners Chase.
Since the three drivers all run part-time schedules, they’re not a factor in the drivers’ championship, but the car could win the owners’ title since its active in every race. MWR executive vice president Ty Norris said MWR and #55 crew chief Rodney Childers have had their eyes on the owners’ prize for a long time.
“One of the very first things we talked about was racing for an owner’s championship; let’s shake up the system. We’ll have multiple drivers but if we can win some races and be in a situation where we can run for an owner’s championship, that can be just as remarkable as running for a driver’s championship.”
